Coimbatore Corporation is set to begin bio-mining at the Kavundampalayam compost yard to address its longstanding legacy-waste issue.

Coimbatore Corporation is planning bio-mining at the Kavundampalayam compost yard to reclaim land that has been bio-capped for nearly a decade. Anna University, Chennai, is preparing a detailed project report after an on-site inspection. The work aims to remove legacy waste capped to control odour and leachate.

The 30-acre yard received municipal solid waste from across Coimbatore until operations stopped about 10 years ago. It has since been closed to fresh dumping. Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said around four acres could be reclaimed for infrastructure development and other civic purposes.

The site currently houses tomato wholesale traders’ shops, a 2 MW solar plant and a micro composting centre. Work is under way on a garbage transfer station costing ₹9.96 crore, a Mudhalvar Padaipagam costing ₹3.36 crore and a primary health centre.

The Coimbatore District Road Protection Committee raised concerns about traffic snarls at both ends of the Kavundampalayam and GN Mills flyovers on Mettupalayam Road. It petitioned the district administration and highways department for immediate corrective measures at Cheran Nagar, the ITI area and Vellakinar Pirivu. The committee cited roadside encroachments, unregulated street vendors, haphazard parking and business occupations as causes of bottlenecks and frequent accidents. The concerns were raised at the committee’s 14th general body meeting, held on Sunday.

The Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board is carrying out underground drainage works for the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation in Kavundampalayam, Vadavalli, Thudiyalur, Saravanampatti and Vellakinar. Roads remain damaged after excavation for pipelines and manhole chambers, particularly the Vadavalli-Thondamuthur and Vadavalli-Edayarpalayam roads. Residents and motorists report dangerous conditions, especially at night due to few streetlights, inadequate warning signs and missing barricades or reflective markers. The Corporation said it is awaiting government funds, has spoken with contractors and expects road restoration work to begin soon.

The Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) has been directed to prepare a proposal for rental apartments on its 3.3-acre and 6.41-acre properties in Coimbatore’s Race Course area, similar to its Kavundampalayam project. Directorate of Town and Country Planning approval is expected shortly. No work has taken place for more than 10 years since demolition of 108 houses in DFO Compound and 222 at Thomas Park Housing Unit. Housing and Urban Development Minister P. Rajkumar directed officials to pursue the project.

At Kavundampalayam, 1,848 flats in a 14-floor complex built for ₹512 crore in 2016 were allotted in 2021; all but 15–20 are occupied. The complex has 56 three-bedroom A-type flats (1,192.53 sq ft), 294 two-bedroom B-type (920 sq ft), 1,148 single-bedroom C-type (761.27 sq ft) and 350 single-bedroom D-type (558.23 sq ft).

The minister also reviewed projects for high-income apartments in Ganapathy, middle-income apartments in Singanallur, rental housing, flats and plots, saleable plots and redevelopment, as well as housing schemes in Pollachi and Seeranaickenpalayam. Officials submitted land-acquisition, compensation and pending-issue files. He directed the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board to expedite projects at CMC Colony in Ukkadam, Variety Hall Road, Ezhil Nagar and elsewhere in the district, and prioritise petitions for basic amenities.