Minister launches desilting of Pichaikaranpallam stream in Erode

Minister for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi M. Vijay Balaji on Saturday (October 17, 2026) launched desilting works in the Pichaikaranpallam stream at Annai Sathya Nagar (Ward 15) on Bhavani Road. The works are being undertaken jointly by the Erode Corporation and Sri Shyam Bhakt Mandal. Erode Collector S. Kandasamy was present.

The Minister said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had directed officials to take precautionary measures ahead of the northeast monsoon, including desilting stormwater drains and identifying areas vulnerable to rain-related damage to ensure that remedial measures were taken promptly.

Erode Corporation has 16 stormwater streams stretching a total of 45.44 km. Desilting works are being carried out at an estimated cost of ₹53.90 lakh as part of the preparations for the monsoon.

Works on five of the 16 streams have been completed at a cost of ₹16 lakh. These are at Ondikaranpalayam (2.50 km), Karuvilparai Valasu (0.60 km), Shastri Road (1.60 km), Kollampalayam Kattabomman Street (2 km), and the stretch of Mosikeeranar Street stream connecting to the river (3.65 km).

The remaining 11 streams are being desilted at an estimated cost of ₹37.90 lakh through a joint initiative involving the Corporation, Sri Shyam Bhakt Mandal and Olirum Erode. The streams are Pichaikaranpallam (1.50 km), the stream near Perumal Malai (3.50 km), Sunnambu Odai (6 km), Pichaikaranpallam from Soolai to Sathy Road (2.44 km), Kalingarayan Baby Canal (5.80 km), Pudhu Colony (1 km), Nalliyampalayam (0.80 km), Balaji Garden (0.95 km), Muthampalayam (1.10 km), Senapathipalayam (1.20 km) and Kasipalayam (0.80 km).

Later, the Minister witnessed a mock disaster-response exercise near the Soleeswarar Temple on the Cauvery riverbank in Ward 15. The Revenue Department, Fire and Rescue Services Department and Traffic Police jointly conducted the exercise to familiarise the public with safety measures during the northeast monsoon and other natural disasters, including ways to protect themselves and others during floods.