Tamil Nadu   

Polluted rivers in sharp focus on Water Day

T. Ramakrishnan

Be it the Cooum, Palar or Noyyal, their condition leaves much to be desired, say experts

A MATTER OF CONCERN: A view of the mouth of the Cooum. — File photo: R. Ragu

CHENNAI: The need to protect rivers against pollution assumes importance as World Water Day is observed on Wednesday. This year, `water and culture' is the theme.

But be it the Cooum, Palar or Noyyal, the state of rivers leaves much to be desired, water experts say. Their environmental degradation is a matter of concern to water experts, environmentalists, policy makers and citizens. Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation are cited among the contributory factors.

Domestic sewage

As for the Cooum and the Adyar in Chennai, domestic sewage is the main culprit. The Palar in Vellore district and the Noyyal in the Coimbatore-Erode belt have borne the brunt of industrial effluents.

Pointing out that the Cauvery and the Vaigai are also affected by domestic sewage, Paul Appasamy, Member-Secretary of the Centre for Excellence in Environmental Economics in the Madras School of Economics, says this underscores the importance of making adequate investment in creating and strengthening sewer infrastructure.

As for the Noyyal and the Palar, export-led growth has taken its toll on them. Given the presence of a large number of smaller industrial units, the implementation of remedial measures requires the State's support. At the same time, industry should contribute its share, Mr. Appasamy adds.

In the last 10 years, different schemes were implemented under the National River Conservation Plan with the support of the Union Environment and Forests Ministry. In the mid-1990s, pollution abatement projects in the Cauvery were taken up, covering five towns, including Tiruchi, Erode and Bhavani, at a cost of around Rs. 36 crore. Most of them have been completed.

About six years ago, the Ministry came forward to the rescue of Chennai. The project envisaged interception of sewage falling into the city's water bodies, including the Adyar and the Cooum. Besides, diversion of sewage to treatment plants and upgradation of the plants were proposed. The total cost was estimated at Rs. 491 crore. As in the earlier case of Tiruchi and other towns, the Centre was to provide the entire funding. The project, after completion, cost about Rs. 352 crore.

In 2001, the Ministry sanctioned pollution abatement works, costing Rs. 575 crore, for seven urban centres that included Madurai and Tirunelveli. However, the Centre's support was only to the extent of 50 per cent while the State Government, local bodies and the beneficiary public contributed the remainder. Establishment of internal sewer system is the main feature of this project, which is likely to be completed by June.

No change

Despite investing a large amount in Chennai, public-spirited citizens say there has been no tangible improvement. Experts say the absence of base flow and accumulation of sludge make achieving a high degree of success difficult.

Some sources of pollution lie outside the city limits and have to be tackled. Officials also say as most of the sewage comes from slums along the water courses, the solution lies in resettling slum dwellers.

But, both experts and environmentalists emphasise on the maintenance of newly created infrastructure and constant vigil against pollution of rivers.

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