Noyyal River – Sewage Treatment Project Remains Stalled Despite Central Approval

Noyyal River – Even after receiving approval from the National River Conservation Directorate under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the proposed sewage treatment project for the Noyyal River has yet to move beyond the planning stage. As a result, untreated wastewater continues to flow into the river from several town panchayats in Coimbatore district, raising fresh concerns about water quality, groundwater safety, and the future of agriculture in the region.

Approved Project Yet to Reach Execution

The sewage treatment plant (STP) initiative was cleared in 2024 as part of the Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery scheme. The objective was to establish facilities that would collect and treat sewage generated by nine town panchayats before it entered the Noyyal River. The local bodies covered under the proposal include Irugur, Sulur, Kannampalayam, Vellalore, Perur, Pooluvapatti, Veerapandi, Alandurai, and Thondamuthur.

Although the project was announced as a major step toward reducing river pollution, implementation has remained slow. Nearly two years after approval, construction work has not gathered the expected pace, leaving untreated sewage to continue entering the river system.

Importance of the Noyyal River

The Noyyal River is one of the important tributaries of the Cauvery River. It originates in the Western Ghats of Coimbatore district and travels approximately 158.35 kilometres through the districts of Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Karur before merging with the Cauvery. Within Coimbatore district alone, the river stretches for around 62.21 kilometres and supports an extensive water network that includes 17 dams and 25 ponds.

Environmental experts and local residents have repeatedly highlighted that continuous discharge of untreated wastewater has become one of the biggest challenges affecting the river’s health. The planned treatment facilities were expected to play a key role in reducing pollution and protecting nearby water resources.

Funding Plan for the Project

According to the approved financial model, the Central Government is expected to provide 60 percent of the total project cost, while the remaining 40 percent will be contributed by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The investment is intended to strengthen sewage infrastructure and improve the overall condition of the river by ensuring that wastewater is properly treated before being released.

Officials believe that successful implementation of the project would help improve water quality and reduce the risk of groundwater contamination in villages and agricultural areas located along the river’s course.

Farmers Raise Concerns Over Continued Pollution

Farmers living near the Noyyal have expressed disappointment over the lack of visible progress. They say untreated sewage has continued to enter the river, affecting groundwater that is widely used for irrigation. Many believe the situation has made farming increasingly difficult and could have long-term consequences for agricultural productivity.

Rajan Arunachalam, a farmer and a member of a non-political farmers’ association, said there has been little noticeable development since the project was announced. He stated that wastewater from local bodies continues to flow into the river without treatment, leading to groundwater pollution and creating additional challenges for cultivators who depend on clean water for their fields.

He urged the authorities to speed up implementation so that the environmental and agricultural impact can be reduced at the earliest.

Administration Says Project Is Under Preparation

Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar said the administration has already forwarded a proposal to the State Government to expand the project to additional local bodies situated along the Noyyal River. He explained that the initiative is presently in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage and that further implementation will begin after all required administrative procedures are completed.

While the project continues to move through the planning process, residents and farmers remain hopeful that the long-pending sewage treatment facilities will be established soon to improve the condition of the Noyyal River and safeguard water resources for future generations.