Sewage treatment plant to save lakes from pollution

Coimbatore: The city corporation is planning to construct a sewage treatment plant for Selvampathy and Kumarasamy lakes at a cost of 4.5 crore.A recent study conducted by corporation officials revealed that 4.5 MLD of untreated water is entering the lakes at Poosaripalayam Road-Thadagam Road Junction. A proposal is being prepared for construction of a 4.5 MLD plant using the 15th central finance commission fund.While Kumarasamy lake is spread across 71.7 acres, Selvampathy lake’s water spread area is 47.2 acres. They are separated by a weir.Water from the western side of RS Puram, which does not have underground drainage systems, is polluting the water bodies, an official with the engineering wing of the corporation said. “Though a sedimentation-based natural water cleaning system is in place, a sewage treatment plant will be more effective. A proposal will be sent to the authorities in a few weeks.”The water bodies are being beautified by the corporation under the smart cities mission. “While construction works have been completed, plantation works will be completed in a few weeks. The proposed plant will help to improve the quality of water in the water bodies,” the official said.The focus is on improving cleanliness, another official said. “Periyakulam and Valankulam lakes have sewage treatment plants. Valankulam lake has a 3 MLD sewage treatment plant and work on a 2 MLD plant is nearing completion. Selvachinthamani lake has a 1 MLD sewage treatment plant and work is on to set up another 1 MLD plant,” he added.