Tue Aug 05 15:06:14 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Virudhunagar, India – August 5, 2025 -** The Kousika River in Virudhunagar is set for a major revitalization with the launch of a ₹20.44 crore rehabilitation project spearheaded by Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. The project, officially flagged off on Tuesday, aims to desilt a significant 11.50 km stretch of the river within the Virudhunagar Taluk, focusing particularly on the area within the municipal limits.
Beyond desilting, the initiative includes the construction of a parapet wall to prevent flooding in low-lying areas during periods of heavy rainfall. A check dam will also be built to aid in water conservation. A key component of the project addresses the issue of untreated sewage polluting the river. A 1.60 km pipeline will be laid to divert sewage to a treatment well, preventing it from entering the Kousika.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 2,891 acres of land. Executive Engineer Malarvizhi reported that four feeder channels will be desilted to ensure rainwater flows freely into the river.
The rehabilitation project stems from a direct appeal made to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during his visit to inaugurate the new Virudhunagar collectorate building in 2024. Mr. Thennarasu emphasized the importance of river renovation for both agricultural operations and groundwater recharge. The initiative addresses long-standing concerns from Virudhunagar farmers, who have protested the river’s decline due to sewage contamination.
The launch event was attended by Virudhunagar Collector N.O. Sukhaputra, Virudhunagar MLA A.R.R. Srinivasan, Municipal Chairman R. Madhavan, Commissioner M. Sugandhi, Municipal Engineer Edwin Bright Jose, and other local officials. The project marks a significant step toward restoring the Kousika River and addressing water management challenges in the Virudhunagar district.
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