COIMBATORE: Farmers in Madhvarayapuram village demanded adherence to proper waste management protocols, as it is currently encouraging the use of open landfills. They said that the waste dumping along the Noyyal riverbed pollutes the ecosystem.
Restoration work along the Noyyal riverbanks which falls under Thondamuthur Union in Mathuvarayapuram Panchayat, Coimbatore, is currently underway at Kooduthurai, considered the origin of the river. Although the restoration work is almost complete, farmers are worried over severe pollution due to the waste accumulated in a nearby garbage dump site.
"The cleaning and desilting of the riverbanks is welcomed. However, because of the waste piling up in the garbage dump nearby, the entire area is getting heavily polluted. In the Mathuvarayapuram Panchayat garbage dump site, waste has accumulated beyond capacity and is now overflowing outside the compound. If this continues, the garbage will soon reach the riverbank. Before the river ecosystem is damaged, the piled-up waste must be removed and steps must be taken to prevent further accumulation," said K Gunasekaran, a farmer.
Farmers also said that Kooduthurai is used for performing the last rites and people who come for funerals are also contributing to the pollution of both the river and its banks.
"For most days of the year, there is continuous water flow in the river which helps to meet the water needs of the Noyyal river and irrigation. Such an important water source must be protected with extra care.
On one hand, river cleaning work is going on and on the other hand, people who come to perform last rites throw wastes into the river. This completely defeats the purpose of cleaning the river.
The panchayat administration should place dustbins and create awareness. There should be strict monitoring to ensure no pollution," he added.
Assistant Director of Village Panchayats R Kamalakannan said that he will look into the issue immediately. "The Block Development Officer will inspect the place and will take action to clear the waste" he said.