Sat Mar 08 17:52:11 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu Launches Nine Crore Rupee River Restoration Project**
TIRUPATTUR, Tamil Nadu – March 8, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu government has launched a ₹9 crore (approximately $1.1 million USD) project to restore the Kallar and Chinna Palar rivers in Vaniyambadi. These vital tributaries of the Palar River, crucial for domestic water supply and groundwater recharge, have suffered from years of pollution due to illegal sewage discharge.
Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan inaugurated the project, joined by Public Works and Highways Minister E.V. Velu and Tirupattur Collector K. Sivasoundaravalli. The initiative, undertaken under the Rehabilitation and Restoration of Lakes scheme (2024-25), aims to remove approximately 210 tonnes of accumulated garbage and dredge three kilometers of riverbed to improve water flow. Steel fencing will be installed along 1.5 kilometers of both riverbanks to prevent future dumping.
The project also addresses the issue of untreated sewage. Thirty illegal inlets discharging sullage into the rivers will be permanently closed, and a new Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) will be constructed by the Vaniyambadi municipality to serve the estimated 1.5 lakh residents living along the rivers. Officials anticipate completion of the restoration work by the end of 2025. The improved water flow is expected to mitigate flooding during monsoon season and enhance groundwater levels.
First Piper 