Sun Nov 24 10:37:55 UTC 2024: ## Virudhunagar’s Kousika River Chokes on Sewage, Waste
**Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, November 24, 2024** – The Kousika River, a vital water source for Virudhunagar town and surrounding villages, is facing severe pollution due to untreated sewage and garbage dumping, according to the Cauvery Vaigai Kiruthumal Gundar Irrigation Farmers Federation.
A recent inspection by the federation revealed that the river, which originates in the Western Ghats, is being used as an open sewer. Untreated sewage from Virudhunagar’s 36 wards, estimated at 3 million liters daily, is flowing directly into the river due to a non-functional sewage treatment plant. This, coupled with unchecked dumping of solid waste, including plastic and toxic materials, has rendered the river foul-smelling and severely polluted.
The unchecked growth of vegetation like Prosopis juliflora and water hyacinth further exacerbates the problem. This pollution affects downstream dams, including Kullursandhai, Golwarpatti, and Irukkangudi, impacting approximately 18,000 acres of ayacut land and leaving them barren for several years. Irukkangudi dam, a key water source for Sattur town, is also severely affected.
Federation officials criticized the ₹6.5 crore river renovation project undertaken in 2015, alleging improper execution. They also pointed to the poor maintenance of Kullursandhai and Golwarpatti dams. They have alerted the district administration about the pollution and warned of protests if immediate action isn’t taken to stop the pollution and protect the river. The federation believes the municipal administration’s actions constitute a crime under environmental laws.
First Piper 