Heavy flow in River Noyyal, but not to tanks

COIMBATORE: It is a treat to watch the heavy flow in River Noyyal at Chithiraichavadi Anaicut, 17 km west of the city. Looking at the river rushing eastward, one will be tempted to think that the tanks in the city will fill up in a day or two.

But, some dry portions of Valankulam along Sungam Bypass Road in the city point out that the water is not reaching the tank to raise the ground water.

Denial

This situation of denial amid abundance has been caused mostly by the closing down of shutters in the Coimbatore Canal.

During heavy rain, it acts as a tributary and brings water from the river to the Big Tank at Ukkadam at the entry point of the city.

From here, a 500-ft long canal takes the surplus in the Big Tank to the Valankulam. These are two of the eight tanks in the city that help in raising the ground water level in many residential colonies, provided enough water from the Noyyal is allowed to flow into these.

The obstacle to free flow of water to the tanks is the problem of effluents from dyeing units entering LIC Colony near Telungupalayam in the city.

The effluent is let into the storm water drain that should take only rain water into the Coimbatore Canal. But, when the water level in the canal rises, it results in a backflow into the storm water drain.

The effluent already in it mixes with rain water and enters the colony. With complaints of health hazards from the residents, the shutters have been closed.

Siruthuli, a people’s movement for water resources rejuvenation and conservation, is anguished that the tanks it de-silted are not getting water.

“We are being bombarded with mails from the public, asking why the tanks we rejuvenated are not getting water though there is so much water flowing in the river,” says Managing Trustee of Siruthuli Vanita Mohan. “The abundance now can fill up Valanakulam in one day.”

Apart from the closing of the shutters in the canal, plastics waste choke waterways and prevent the flow to the tanks, she laments.

Waste

After this case was represented to District Collector P. Umanath, he ordered the removal of the waste on Friday.

“The Collector quickly responded to our plea and the waste removal work is on. But, action is also needed to stop the discharge of effluent into the storm water drain at LIC Colony,” she says.

“We prayed for rain and the heavens responded. But we are not using what is being given to us.”