Coimbatore, 13 Nov(H.S.):

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticised the TVK government over the death of a 25-year-old commuter who fell into a stormwater drain pit in Ambattur, alleging that inadequate safety precautions during civic works had cost a young life.

Holding the government responsible for ensuring public safety at construction sites, Palaniswami said warning boards, reflective stickers and proper barricades should be mandatory wherever drainage and other civic works are undertaken.

He alleged that the Municipal Administration Department, which he said was under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s control, had failed to ensure proper planning and compliance with safety procedures.

The incident, he said, reflected administrative inefficiency and a lack of concern for public safety. He demanded that the government immediately provide appropriate compensation to the bereaved family.

Palaniswami also called for an inspection of drainage projects across Tamil Nadu to identify unfinished works, uncovered pits and locations lacking adequate protective arrangements. He urged authorities to rectify such hazards promptly and install proper barricades to prevent similar accidents.

His remarks placed the focus on safety arrangements around ongoing civic projects, particularly the need to protect commuters from exposed pits and incomplete drainage works. He stressed that the government had a responsibility to ensure these precautions were in place.

Separately, the AIADMK leader accused the government of failing to maintain law and order, alleging that murders, robberies, chain snatchings, thefts and crimes against women and children had become rampant since it assumed office.

He urged Vijay to take immediate measures to curb crime and ensure public safety, saying the government must “wake up from its deep slumber”.

Responding to speculation about moves to topple the TVK government, Palaniswami declined to spell out a course of action. He said the AIADMK would take a decision if such a situation arose in the future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman