“Siruthuli†organization has warned that after the renovation of water bodies, including the Ukkadam tank and Valankulam lake the concentration of 'E-coli' bacteria has increased, which is harmful to humans. This is caused by the unchecked emptying of sewage into these water bodies.
Coimbatore: The 'E.coli' bacteria, which is harmful to humans, has increased in all the renovated water bodies, including Ukkadam tank, and Valankulam in Coimbatore district said Vanitha Mohan, of “Siruthuli†organization.
Vanitha Mohan, the Managing Trustee of 'Siruthuli' organisation, said, "In 2003, Coimbatore district was declared drought-hit due to the unprecedented drought. “Siruthuli†was formed to help all the people to work together with the objective of protecting the water bodies in the city.
“In 2003, when the then-District collector Muruganantham granted permission, we first carried out the restoration work in the Krishnampathi tank, which is spread over 51 acres of land. Due to this, the water storage capacity increased by 2,47,612 cubic meters. More than 0.7 million trees have been planted in Coimbatore and surrounding areas so far†she said.
“More than 30 streams located on the Noyyal river have been cleaned. More than 200 hectares of agricultural land has been developed†she said and added.
“More than 800 stormwater drain structures have been constructed. Apart from this, since 2008, 400 metric tonnes of waste is being disposed of safely every month. 30 tanks have been desilted over the year†Vanitha Mohan noted.
However, all the good work carried out by “Siruthuli†has been rendered useless as the mixing of sewage in the restored water bodies continues to affect these vital water bodies.
The increasing E-coli content in the waters of Valankulam, and Periyakulam may cause gastric problems and diarrhoea in humans.
Vanitha Mohan urged that the Government should take urgent and necessary steps to prevent the discharge of sewage into the water bodies of Coimbatore.
Coimbatore Corporation Deputy Commissioner Sharmila said that steps have been taken to set up sewage treatment plants to prevent sewage from entering the water bodies in the tanks.
“While the project has been implemented at Ukkadam Periyakulam, steps have been taken to set up a sewage treatment plant at Valankulam in the next phase. Apart from sewage treatment, sewage mixing places in water bodies will be identified and steps will be taken to prevent sewage from entering the water bodies. Steps have been taken to ensure that the sewage reaches only through the drainage systemâ€. the Deputy Commissioner said.
Vanitha Mohan, the Managing Trustee of 'Siruthuli' organisation, said, "In 2003, Coimbatore district was declared drought-hit due to the unprecedented drought. “Siruthuli†was formed to help all the people to work together with the objective of protecting the water bodies in the city.
“In 2003, when the then-District collector Muruganantham granted permission, we first carried out the restoration work in the Krishnampathi tank, which is spread over 51 acres of land. Due to this, the water storage capacity increased by 2,47,612 cubic meters. More than 0.7 million trees have been planted in Coimbatore and surrounding areas so far†she said.
“More than 30 streams located on the Noyyal river have been cleaned. More than 200 hectares of agricultural land has been developed†she said and added.
“More than 800 stormwater drain structures have been constructed. Apart from this, since 2008, 400 metric tonnes of waste is being disposed of safely every month. 30 tanks have been desilted over the year†Vanitha Mohan noted.
However, all the good work carried out by “Siruthuli†has been rendered useless as the mixing of sewage in the restored water bodies continues to affect these vital water bodies.
The increasing E-coli content in the waters of Valankulam, and Periyakulam may cause gastric problems and diarrhoea in humans.
Vanitha Mohan urged that the Government should take urgent and necessary steps to prevent the discharge of sewage into the water bodies of Coimbatore.
Coimbatore Corporation Deputy Commissioner Sharmila said that steps have been taken to set up sewage treatment plants to prevent sewage from entering the water bodies in the tanks.
“While the project has been implemented at Ukkadam Periyakulam, steps have been taken to set up a sewage treatment plant at Valankulam in the next phase. Apart from sewage treatment, sewage mixing places in water bodies will be identified and steps will be taken to prevent sewage from entering the water bodies. Steps have been taken to ensure that the sewage reaches only through the drainage systemâ€. the Deputy Commissioner said.