Madurai, Oct 8 (NationPress) In a renewed effort to revitalize the struggling Vaigai River, the Madurai Corporation in Tamil Nadu has proposed a substantial Rs 140-crore initiative to the state government aimed at enhancing the city's drainage infrastructure and preventing the inflow of untreated sewage into the river.

This initiative comes in response to escalating public discontent regarding pollution levels, which have persisted despite earlier clean-up attempts. Officials from the corporation stated that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlines long-term strategies to intercept sewage flow and bolster waste management practices along the riverbanks.

At the same time, the Public Works Department (PWD) has developed a distinct plan to seal sewage entry points into the Panthalkudi canal in Goripalayam, identified as a significant source of contamination.

Spanning nearly 12 km within the city, the Vaigai has become a repository for invasive flora, trash, and untreated waste. Officials concede that even with an existing sewage treatment facility, untreated effluents from approximately 36 inlets still flow into the river.

The Panthalkudi canal alone channels a considerable amount of this sewage. “The situation regarding sewage and garbage in the Vaigai River is critical. The corporation must take immediate action to clean the river and ensure appropriate waste management,” stated M. Raja of Vaigai Makkal Iyakkam. Another local resident, Balasubramanian, a teacher, called for prompt action on the long-delayed Vaigai riverfront development project.

“Residents of Madurai deserve clean and healthy riverbanks. Timely intervention is crucial to protect both the river and the surrounding communities,” he emphasized.

Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan remarked that the riverfront development plan is pending state approval. “Work will begin soon. In the meantime, ongoing monitoring and clean-up efforts are in place to combat illegal dumping and safeguard the water body,” she stated.

This renewed plan highlights the increasing frustration over the city's ongoing battle to manage pollution in its vital waterway. Previous mitigation measures, including partial sewer realignment and riverbank beautification, have failed to reduce contamination.

Officials indicated that the new proposal integrates drainage enhancements, interception of sewage at multiple points, and stricter regulations against waste dumping. If sanctioned, it will complement the riverfront development project aimed at restoring the Vaigai as both an ecological and cultural treasure for Madurai.