Residents protest against construction of pumping station in Salem
Residents and local political representatives in Salem protested against the construction of a sewage pumping station near a school and a burial ground. Following the blockade, authorities agreed to halt the project temporarily to seek an alternative site.
Why it matters
The protest highlights common urban planning conflicts where infrastructure projects face resistance due to environmental and social concerns.
Residents, along with the AIADMK councillor of Ward 22, staged a road blockade here on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) opposing the construction of a pumping station for the underground sewerage system near a school.
The protest was led by councillor K.C. Selvaraj. He said the Corporation had proposed to collect sewage from nine wards in the Suramangalam Zone and pump it to a treatment plant. The proposed construction site was a burial ground that was used by members of various communities. However, officials had not held any discussions with the residents before selecting the site, which was located outside a school, he alleged.
The councillor said he was opposing the proposal for the past three-and-a-half years, but officials had proceeded with the construction despite his objections.
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