Vaigai Revamp: The ₹440 Crore Fight Against Urban Waste

Amid persistent concerns over unregulated sewage discharge and garbage dumping into the Vaigai River, the Madurai City Corporation has submitted a special proposal to the state government seeking ₹440 crore to upgrade major pumping stations and sewage mains.

The proposal is part of a broader effort to address long-standing environmental and public health issues linked to river pollution. Despite repeated cleaning drives and sewage control measures, activists and residents continue to report the flow of untreated sewage and solid waste into the river at several points, especially from areas such as Vilangudi and Arapalayam. Environmental activist Raja M pointed out that several pumping stations, including the one at Kuruvukaran, are outdated and inadequate, and require urgent modernisation. A senior corporation official stated that the proposed revamp would significantly reduce sewage discharge, along with plans to establish a sewage treatment plant (STP) at the Panthalkudi canal.

However, environmentalists caution that unless efficient sewage treatment plants are made fully operational and better coordination is ensured, pollution in the Vaigai River will continue to threaten the ecosystem and public health.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.