Water flows through a check dam on the Noyyal near Sunnambu Kaalvai in Coimbatore city.
| Photo Credit: Siva Saravanan S.
Environmentalists have raised concern over the Coimbatore Corporation’s ₹200-crore plan to rejuvenate River Noyyal.
The project spans an 18.5-km stretch within the city and includes desilting, strengthening of bunds, construction of two sewage treatment plants of four MLD each, and two diversion channels linking to nearby sewage treatment plants (STP). It also proposes riverfront development with a 4.5-km road from Athupalam to Nanjundapuram Road, four parks, and other beautification works.
Environmentalists said the plan emphasises beautification rather than addressing the untreated sewage and urged the Corporation to curb pollution at the source before investing in riverfront infrastructure.
Environmental activist K. Mohanraj said the city, with a population of around 22 lakh and a daily water supply of 135 litres per person, generates a large volume of domestic wastewater, along with significant discharge from commercial and industrial sources.
“The Corporation should expand existing facilities and build new ones to ensure that untreated sewage does not reach water bodies. The proposed four MLD plants are likely to fall short of requirements in a few years given the city’s growth,” he said.
Another activist, K. Selvaganesh, said the beautification works should not disturb the river’s ecosystem. “The Corporation has planted Conocarpus, an exotic species known for its fast growth, along the bunds of Smart City lakes. But such plants do not support local biodiversity. Migratory birds, butterflies, and bees avoid these habitats. Planting native species would help restore ecological balance,” he said.
Another activist, who preferred anonymity, said, “The aim should be to enhance the river’s carrying capacity, groundwater recharge, and wetland links through natural methods rather than concrete structures that may alter its flow.”
A senior Corporation official overseeing the project said the beautification works would strengthen the bunds with native plants and minimal use of concrete. Exotic species would be planted only in parks developed nearby.
On sewage treatment, the official said sewage entered the Noyyal at 41 points, and the two proposed STPs and diversions would be adequate for about 10 years, by which time the entire city was expected to be covered under the underground drainage system with sufficient treatment facilities. The detailed project report for the rejuvenation project would be completed within a week.
Published – November 01, 2025 07:30 pm IST
