Slow Progress on Sewage Treatment Plants in Coimbatore's Noyyal River Project

The sewage treatment plants project aimed at reducing pollution in Coimbatore's Noyyal River is facing significant delays, leaving local panchayats to discharge untreated wastewater. Approved in 2024, the initiative is crucial for improving water quality and protecting groundwater. Farmers express concerns over the impact on agriculture due to ongoing contamination. Despite funding arrangements, progress has stalled, prompting calls for urgent action from authorities. The project is currently in the Detailed Project Report stage, with hopes for implementation soon.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 12:42 IST

Challenges in Implementing Sewage Treatment Initiatives

Photo: @ians_india/X

Coimbatore, Aug 4: Despite receiving approval from the National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the establishment of sewage treatment plants (STPs) intended to curb pollution in the Noyyal River has seen minimal advancement. Consequently, nine town panchayats in Coimbatore district continue to release untreated wastewater into the river.

The STP initiative was sanctioned in 2024 as part of the Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery scheme, targeting sewage issues from areas including Irugur, Sulur, Kannampalayam, Vellalore, Perur, Pooluvapatti, Veerapandi, Alandurai, and Thondamuthur.

This project aims to collect and treat sewage produced by these local bodies before it contaminates the Noyyal.

It is deemed essential for enhancing the river's water quality and safeguarding groundwater in regions along its path. However, nearly two years post-approval, the execution of the proposed treatment facilities remains sluggish.

The Noyyal, a significant tributary of the Cauvery, begins in the Western Ghats of Coimbatore district and flows approximately 158.35 km through Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Karur districts before merging with the Cauvery. About 62.21 km of the river traverses Coimbatore district, which features 17 dams and 25 ponds. The discharge of untreated sewage from local bodies along the river continues to pose a serious environmental threat.

According to the funding plan, the Centre is set to cover 60% of the project expenses, while the Tamil Nadu government will provide the remaining 40%. Farmers in the Noyyal region have voiced concerns that ongoing wastewater discharge is polluting groundwater and disrupting agricultural practices.

Rajan Arunachalam, a farmer and member of a non-political farmers’ group, noted that there has been almost no progress in establishing the STPs since the initial announcement.

He highlighted that untreated wastewater continues to flow into the river from local bodies, leading to groundwater contamination and complicating farming in areas adjacent to the Noyyal.

He called on authorities to expedite the project's implementation. Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar mentioned that a proposal has been submitted to the government to extend the project to local bodies along the Noyyal.

He added that the project is currently in the Detailed Project Report phase and will proceed once all necessary procedures are finalized.