Coimbatore district collector T.N. Hariharan hosted a meeting to discuss on the measures that need to be adopted to remove encroachments at Noyyal River and adjoining water bodies in the district.
When speaking at this meeting he said, “The Noyyal River is travelling a total distance of 68kms from Velliangadu to Semmandampalayam in Sulur division. It passes through TIrupur, Erode and Karur and finally amalgamates with the River Kaveri in Karur. The total length of the river is 160kms. Noyyal River is the prime water source for all the 24 lakes in Coimbatore apart from being a predominant drinking water source and a source for agriculture. The encroachments at these river beds pose a huge hindrance for accumulating the water and also affects the outflow of water through its tributaries. Hence, to address this issue we have planned to conduct a biometric survey of the people who are living along the river bed and provide them with houses.”
The district collector also added “People should not occupy the banks of River Noyyal and the lakes along the river. Government officials should step up vigil and prevent any occupation in future and should join hands with the PWD officials in removing the encroachments.”
District revenue officer Christuraj, Revenue Divisional officer, Mathuranthaki, Chinnasamy, Coimbatore corporation town planning project officer, executive engineer of slum clearance board, divisional engineer of Noyyal River, Kumarasamy among other government officials participated in this meeting.