Weavers residing in Bagadur and Sugunapuram areas gheraoed officials of the Tamilnadu Textile Department of Coimbatore, who had come to inspect the handloom society.

Weavers of Sugunapuram surrounded the Project Director D Murugan and Handloom Additional Director M Muthusamy and complained that basic facilities were not provided to their locality and to the people of Bagadur.

R. Lakshmi of Sugunapuram complained that government and private buses from Mettupalayam to Annur do not come to their area, where more than 250 families live because the collection is poor. Students studying at Sirumugai and workers are forced to wait for up to two hours for buses. If they miss the 7.30 AM bus, they will have to wait until 9.30 AM for the next bus.

R. Palaniaamal of Bagadur rued that there was water scarcity for a very long time. Despite repeated complaints, there was no response from the authorities or the local councillor.

V. Rajan, a beneficiary of the Thaai Project house, said, “Through the Society, we had purchased 9 acres of land and the construction for 75 houses is going on. The Government allotted Rs.2,60,000 for building costs and Rs.30,000 for installing solar power system.” The funds were not sufficient and they had to borrow money from the Society. Water continues to remain a huge headache for the residents. Water for construction is being provided through lorries. The residents are waiting for a permanent solution.

Project direction D. Murugan assured the public all the grievances will be sorted out at the earliest.