NATIONAL

Protesters call on corporations to stop sewage from entering the Vaigai River during the Kallalagar march

Amidst the fervent preparations and enthusiastic devotees anticipating the arrival of the Kallalagar procession in the Vaigai river, activists have raised concerns about the untreated sewage discharge into the water body.

They contend that this could pose health risks to those who may enter the river during the festival. Activists warned that prolonged exposure to the sewage water, which has been discharged into the river at many locations, might result in health problems for the approximately five lakh devotees expected to attend the parade.

“The city’s sewage flow (into the river) persists despite many petitions being filed. In addition to other areas, the Pandalkudi canal and a pipeline from the general hospital have been used to discharge sewage straight into the body of water. Thus, quick action is needed to stop sewage from mingling, according to Vaigai Makkal Iyakkam’s Raja.

A senior municipal corporation official told TNIE that the sewage is processed at the 2MLD facility close to Goripalayam before being discharged into the river via the Pandhalkudi canal. He promised to take steps to stop sewage discharge into the river. “Furthermore, on the basis of complaints, the corporation will be placing sand bags in the channel to prevent untreated water from being released into the river,” he stated.

Along with other authorities, District Collector MS Sangeetha examined the procession path to the location where Kallalagar meets the Vaigai river close to the AV bridge. They made sure that all necessary facilities, including as water tanks, were there. Among the main attractions of the Chithirai festival, one of the biggest in Madurai, is the Kallalagar procession. The date of Kallalagar’s arrival into the Vaigai river is set for April 23 of this year.

Related Articles

Back to top button