Chennai, Nov 16 (NationPress) The Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) being developed by the Thirumuruganpoondi Municipality in Tamil Nadu's Tiruppur district aims to stop untreated wastewater from flowing into the Nallaru River. This crucial project is on track for completion by the end of December.

Officials from the Water Resources Department (WRD) have stated that the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the initiative will be granted soon.

This facility, with a capacity of 10 million litres per day (MLD), is being constructed at a cost of Rs 14.8 crore along the banks of the Nallaru near Thirumuruganpoondi. The river, which originates from streams in Annur in Coimbatore district, flows approximately 27 km before merging with the Noyyal at Nanjarayan Lake in Tiruppur.

Once a pristine freshwater source, the Nallaru has sadly turned into a sewage-laden stream due to encroachments and continuous wastewater discharge along its banks.

Environmentalists and political groups have consistently pressed authorities to implement effective measures to curb sewage inflow into the river. There were recent concerns that the STP construction commenced without the required NOC from the WRD. However, municipal officials clarified that the project is being built on government land adjacent to the river, and the district administration has recommended the transfer of land rights to the municipality.

Additionally, clearances from the District Green Committee have been secured for the removal of trees obstructing the construction.

The STP project is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, aimed at restoring the quality of the river's water.

Sewage from eight major discharge points will be transported through pipelines to the treatment facility. Furthermore, on-site sanitation structures are being established at seven other locations to ensure localized treatment before the wastewater reaches the river.

Project officials stated that these initiatives would greatly reduce pollution and enhance the river's ecosystem.

Construction began in March and is progressing according to schedule, with a completion target of December.

The WRD authorities have confirmed that the NOC request is currently in process and will be approved shortly, setting the stage for the final phase of the project’s implementation.