COONOOR

K. Ramachandran of the DMK won the Coonoor constituency in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections with 61,820 votes (45.89%), defeating AIADMK's Vinoth. D. by a margin of 4,105 votes. This marked a DMK gain from AIADMK in a seat that has historically alternated between the two major parties. The election took place during the COVID-19 pandemic's second wave, with strict safety protocols in place. Over the past five years, while no major corruption allegations or legal issues have been reported against the sitting MLA, the constituency has grappled with significant civic challenges. Tamil Nadu as a whole saw substantial development investments during this period, including water supply projects worth over ₹9,000 crore statewide, 1,384 new classrooms added, and a city gas distribution network valued at ₹3,680 crore for the Nilgiris and Erode districts. However, specific project details for Coonoor remain limited in available documentation. Chronic water shortage remains Coonoor's most pressing issue, with the Ralliah Dam frequently drying up and municipal water supply reportedly arriving only once a month for a few hours. Garbage disposal and sewage pollution continue to challenge the picturesque hill town, despite cleanup drives by local NGOs like 'Clean Coonoor.' Key projects such as the expansion of water storage capacity at Ralliah Dam and effective sewage treatment solutions remain stalled. As voters prepare for the 2026 elections scheduled for April 23, they should consider both the broader state-level development initiatives and the persistent local civic issues—particularly water supply and waste management—that directly affect daily life in Coonoor.