A video showing drinking water being transported in a garbage truck to a DMK-organised Neer Mor (buttermilk) stall in Chamalapuram, near Palladam, has triggered widespread criticism on social media and among local residents. The incident, which involved the use of a municipal sanitation vehicle, raised serious concerns about hygiene and misuse of public resources.
The buttermilk stall was reportedly opened over 40 days ago as part of birthday celebrations for Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. It was overseen by Chamalapuram Town Panchayat Chairman and DMK functionary Vinayaka Palaniswami.
In the video, which has since gone viral, a sanitation worker was seen drawing water from a public tap and loading it into a garbage truck before transporting it to the Neer Mor pandal. When questioned, the worker claimed he was acting on instructions from local officials.
The incident sparked strong condemnation from social activists and local residents, who expressed concern over the potential health risks. They alleged that the buttermilk distributed at the stall was mainly consumed by daily wage workers, children, and the elderly, and that using unfiltered water carried in a waste collection vehicle posed a risk of infection. The activists also criticised the use of a government vehicle for what they described as a political party’s activity.
Efforts to reach Chairman Palaniswami for clarification reportedly failed, as his phone was found to be unreachable.
Chamalapuram Town Panchayat Executive Officer Sivakumar later acknowledged the incident and said he became aware of it only after the video surfaced. He confirmed that a garbage truck was used and stated that a temporary sanitation worker had transported the water without his knowledge. He added that disciplinary action would be taken against the worker and that an inspection would be conducted at the site to assess whether unsanitary water had been used.
However, local activists questioned this explanation and alleged that the worker was being made a scapegoat to protect senior officials. They argued that such an action could not have been carried out without authorisation from higher authorities within the town panchayat.
(With inputs from Vikatan)
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