Abstract

The CWIS initiative assisted Tiruchirappalli City Corporation (TCC) in assessing frequent blockages in its extensive Underground Sewerage System (UGSS). Field studies and interviews with TCC engineers revealed that despite active redressal systems, the UGSS network had issues due to poor design and construction of diaphragm chambers, improper solid waste disposal, and unauthorised connections to stormwater drains. The report recommends preventive maintenance including regular monitoring and scaling up TCC’s good practices, structural retrofitting, and awareness measures to strengthen UGSS efficiency and performance, which can also be implemented in other urban local bodies in the state.