Even as the motorists expect speedy steps to repair the badly damaged roads due to recent rain, they experience nightmarish moments due to accumulation of sand all along the city roads.

Though the issue was prevalent for several months, the recent spell of rain has compounded the issue. The sandstorm makes its presence clearly visible whenever heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks cross roads. It takes a few minutes for the dust to settle down. Since buses continue to ply on roads from dawn to dusk, the problem remains live throughout the day.

The dust settles down only after 10.30 p.m. The problem has been reported along all roads in the city. Cloud of dust hangs in the air. There is hardly any road in the city that is free from the issue. The problem is acute in areas where roads have been severely damaged. Cement particles and sand emanating from the damaged roads and patch-up roads hang in the air. It makes life miserable for motorists. It is said that the issue has increased the level of air pollution in the city.

Busy roads and areas such as East Boulevard Road, West Boulevard Road, Chathiram Bus Stand, Central Bus Stand, Gandhi Market, Thanjavur road, Chinthamani, Palakarai, Anna Silai, Melaputhur, Cantonment, Thennur, Woraiyur, MambalaSalai and others have been reported with accumulation of huge quantity of sand. Road users say that driving vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, is not smooth without guarding eye protecting gears.

“The dust makes really tough to ride motor cycles on city roads. The problem is everywhere. We have no other option except to inhale highly polluted air,” says S. Mohanraj of Srirangam.

City hospitals have seen increase in the number of cases of asthma and lung problems during the last one week particularly after a respite from the rain in Tiruchi. It is said that high level of air pollution has triggered health problems. Children and elderly people seem to be affected the most.

“It is a serious issue for people particularly for those with previous history of respiratory or asthma. Cement and sand particles go deep into the respiratory track triggering irritation and allergy. We get many cases of nasal allergies daily, says S. Srinivas of Vijaya Hospital in Tiruchi.