Chennai, Feb 3 (NationPress) In response to growing concerns about uncontrolled sewage discharge and the persistent dumping of waste into the Vaigai River, the Madurai City Corporation has presented a comprehensive plan worth Rs 440 crore to the Tamil Nadu government aimed at revamping the city’s pumping stations.

This initiative is being hailed as a crucial advancement towards addressing a longstanding environmental and public health dilemma that has long plagued the historic Vaigai River.

Despite numerous programs launched over the years, including regular cleaning initiatives and efforts to stop sewage from contaminating the river, residents and environmental advocates insist that untreated sewage and solid waste continue to pollute the river at various points.

Suresh Kumar, an environmental activist affiliated with a local river protection group, noted that sewage inflow has been consistently detected from areas like Vilangudi, Thathaneri, Aruldoss Nagar, and near the Arapalayam check dam.

“While pumping stations exist in these areas, during peak times, excess sewage is frequently discharged straight into the river. Many of these facilities are old and inadequate to handle the city’s current sewage load,” he remarked, emphasizing the urgent need for modernization of pumping stations such as the one at Kuruvukaran.

Residents share similar worries regarding waste disposal. Ramesh Anand, a long-term resident of Madurai, claimed that garbage dumping along the riverbank continues without interruption. “Occasional cleaning drives are insufficient. There must be consistent, organized removal of the accumulated waste and invasive water hyacinths, which have become commonplace along the river,” he stated.

Officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) acknowledged the severity of the problem.

A senior official, speaking confidentially, revealed that over 50 sewage discharge points have been identified within Madurai's city limits. “All these places have been officially noted, and corrective actions are anticipated from the city corporation.

While efforts to remove water hyacinths are made periodically, they are far from adequate,” the official pointed out.

In response to the fallout, a senior corporation official asserted that the Rs 440-crore proposal aims to upgrade pumping stations and mains to prevent direct sewage discharge. “Once implemented, this project will drastically reduce the amount of sewage entering the river. At the Panthalkudi canal, which is one of the main discharge points, a Sewage Treatment Plant will be established following the completion of ongoing work,” the official explained.

However, environmentalists have cautioned that without fully operational sewage treatment facilities and coordinated efforts between the WRD and civic authorities, the river's pollution will continue, posing a risk to both the ecosystem and public health.

With the annual Chithirai festival approaching, activists have urged officials to expedite the proposed initiatives to prevent further degradation of the river.