Chennai, Oct 28 (NationPress) In a significant step towards the revitalization of the Noyyal River, the Coimbatore Corporation has presented a comprehensive project report (DPR) to the state government, requesting Rs 102 crore for the enhancement of a 4.3-km stretch of the riverfront extending from Nanjundapuram to Athupalam.

This initiative aligns with the state government's broader strategy to rejuvenate urban riverfronts, which has allocated Rs 400 crore in the current fiscal year for five districts, Coimbatore included.

The ambitious endeavor seeks to merge ecological restoration with public recreational spaces, transforming the riverfront into a verdant and accessible urban area.

This project is a collaborative effort between the state government and Coimbatore Corporation, with the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) acting as the funding agency.

In addition to this initiative, the civic body has also proposed a separate Rs 100-crore plan for the construction of three new sewage treatment plants (STPs) and the upgrading of underground drainage intersections and diversions.

The DPR outlines that the project will prioritize the reinforcement and enhancement of the bunds on both riverbanks, provide road access alongside the banks, and create public facilities such as parks, open-air gyms, and observation points.

Three new STPs are planned to intercept sewage flowing into the river, identifying 41 locations where untreated wastewater is currently entering the watercourse.

Designed with eco-friendly principles in mind, the Noyyal Riverfront Project will comply with the standards set by the German-based KfW Development Bank, focusing on minimal concrete use and extensive vegetation cover. The blueprint includes a seven-metre-wide road on one bund, complemented by recreational areas and landscaped spaces on the other.

The overall design intends to maintain the river's natural width, prevent encroachments, and uphold a sustainable ratio of 70 percent greenery to 30 percent built structures.

Experts have emphasized the importance of preserving the river's natural flow and have suggested incorporating data on historical flood levels to inform design and safety measures. However, local farming groups have raised concerns about the lack of consultation during public review sessions and the need for additional STPs, considering that current facilities are underutilized.

Upon approval, this project promises to convert the Noyyal Riverfront into a significant ecological and recreational corridor for Coimbatore, while also advancing long-term urban water management objectives.