Sewage discharge into Cauvery near Sarkarpalayam raises concern

The discharge of untreated sewage into the Cauvery near Sarkarpalayam in Tiruchi has raised concern among residents, as the river serves as a source of drinking water and irrigation.

Untreated sewage, which was earlier discharged into the river at night, is now reportedly being let out during the day as well. Large quantities of sewage from Sangeevi Nagar, Palpannai, Tiruverumbur and surrounding areas are allegedly being released directly into the river instead of being diverted to the sewage treatment plant at Panjapur.

Although a pumping station is located at Sarkarpalayam, it is reportedly non-functional, allowing sewage to flow directly into the Cauvery. The problem has allegedly persisted for several months without an effective solution.

Similar discharges have reportedly been noticed near Chinthamani Padithurai, despite the presence of a pumping station, and along Karur Road. These three locations have been identified as major points of sewage discharge into the Cauvery within the city. However, residents allege that no effective measures have been taken to stop the flow.

Suresh Venkatachalam, president of Srirangam Nagar Nala Sangam,  questioned the civic body’s priorities, arguing that preventing sewage from entering the river should take precedence over beautification initiatives proposed under the riverfront development project.

“The discharge of sewage is harmful to the Cauvery. We would take up the issue with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB),” he said.

He also pointed to the Chief Minister’s election manifesto commitment to protecting waterbodies and called for concrete measures to prevent sewage contamination of the river.

However, the civic body has maintained that there are no sewage discharge points near the river and that water samples collected from the area have not indicated pollution.

A senior civic official said the authorities would inspect the area for possible leakages and take action if any were detected.