Chennai Corporation Mayor R. Priya expressed visible frustration during a media interaction when reporters questioned whether substandard slaked lime had been used instead of bleaching powder in sanitation efforts ahead of a welfare event in Pulianthope. Reacting sharply, she sarcastically asked if what was used was “Ponds powder,” showing her displeasure over the allegations.
The sanitation drive was carried out in preparation for the ‘Annam Tharum Amudha Karangal’ food distribution program, organized in connection with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s birthday. The event, typically conducted by HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekar Babu, was overseen by Mayor Priya in his absence.
Due to the area’s long-standing issue with foul smells—attributed to its closeness to slaughterhouses and waste accumulation—cleaning and disinfection were carried out. However, concerns were raised post-event about the actual materials used for disinfection. Reporters claimed that only slaked lime, not proper bleaching powder, had been used, despite food being served in such unsanitary surroundings.
This prompted a tense exchange between the media and the Mayor, who insisted that appropriate steps had been taken and promised further inquiry into the matter.
One journalist confronted the DMK Mayor Priya, saying, “Madam, they’re using slaked lime here instead of bleaching powder. This place smells terrible due to the slaughterhouse nearby, and people are coming here to eat. No proper bleaching powder has been used anywhere. This is the powder they’ve sprayed—please check if there’s any (disinfectant) smell at all.”
Mayor Priya took a sniff and acknowledged, “Yes, there’s a smell.” The reporter responded, “This is your zone, under your Corporation.” The mayor raised her voice, saying, “Yes, this is our area—we know it very well!”
The reporter continued, “They’ve only used this powder, and if bleaching powder had been used, the stench would have been arrested.” Mayor Priya then questioned, “So what powder is this?” The reporter replied, “There should at least be some recognizable smell. I do not know what it is”
Challenging the claim, Priya asked again, “You tell me—what powder is this? Do you think people would just throw powder here without knowing what it is?” Then, with sarcasm, she remarked, “Or is this Ponds powder?” She proceeded to her vehicle and, before leaving, asked the reporter, “Which media house are you from?” and drove away.
சென்னை மாநகராட்சியில் பிளீச்சிங் பவுடருக்கு பதில் கோலமாவு..? மேயர் பிரியா அடாவடி பதில்#Chennai #ChennaiCorporation #MayorPriya #BleachingPowder #TamilNews #NewsTamil #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/3lTuq5xPC9
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) May 2, 2025
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