Vaigai choked by sewage at 77 points; ₹2,500-crore overhaul under way

Madurai: Untreated sewage continues to flow directly into the Vaigai at multiple locations across the city, while waste dumping along the river and its banks has further aggravated pollution. To address these issues, the Madurai Corporation has partnered with Tata Consultancy Services on a multi-year ₹2,500-crore project to survey and overhaul the city's underground sewer network, aiming to divert sewage into treatment plants and prevent it from entering the Vaigai river. The plan is to pump sewage through a network of main pumping stations until it reaches the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). However, blockages and damaged stretches in the transmission lines have hindered smooth flow. The first phase of the ₹450-crore project focuses on repairing and strengthening pumping stations, restoring main lines, and clearing choke points in the distribution network. Once completed, this is expected to prevent reverse flow into stormwater channels and the river. An additional pumping station has been proposed at Goripalayam to redirect sewage to the Munthirithoppu pumping station. Officials estimate that once completed, the measures could curb up to 95% of sewage discharge into the Vaigai. The intervention follows mounting concerns over pollution in the river. A 2024 report by the Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation (MNCF) identified around 77 locations within corporation limits where sewage flows directly into the Vaigai. Water samples collected during the study were graded "E" under Central Pollution Control Board norms, making the water unfit for drinking and unsafe for aquatic life. "Sewage and waste from industries and shops are dumped and flow unchecked directly into the water, polluting it and harming the wildlife and people who depend on the river," said MNCF convenor Tamil Dasan. Residents allege that some establishments dump meat waste and other by-products into the river and its channels without treatment. M Rajan of the Vaigai Nathi Makkal Iyakkam said the issue of sewage discharge has been raised for nearly a decade, with little effective action. A senior corporation official attributed part of the problem to unauthorised constructions in low-lying areas lacking proper drainage. "Because of this, they do not have proper roads or drainage systems. To manage their sewage, they often connect their underground drainage directly to stormwater drains. These stormwater drains eventually empty into the river, leading to pollution in certain spots," he said. "Work is going on across Madurai city to block water going into the river," said a senior PWD official from the PWD. "Waste is being dumped into open channels that flow into the Vaigai. We are looking into ways to prevent that such as building a retaining wall, removing encroachments, and conducting regular cleaning," the official added. Corporation officials said regular cleaning of the Vaigai will commence shortly to remove accumulated waste from the banks and clear water hyacinth from the river surface. MSID:: 128717888 413 |