Madurai Corporation proposes ₹140 crore plan to prevent sewage inflow into Vaigai River

In a renewed push to address pollution and restore the ecological health of the Vaigai River, the Madurai Corporation has proposed a ₹140 crore project aimed at upgrading the city’s ageing drainage network. The plan, which has been submitted to the Tamil Nadu state government for approval, is based on a detailed project report (DPR) prepared by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

According to officials, the proposed initiative seeks to stop the continuous inflow of untreated sewage into the Vaigai River, which remains one of Madurai’s most persistent environmental concerns. Despite having a sewage treatment plant in operation, untreated wastewater continues to find its way into the river, particularly through the Panthalkudi canal in Goripalayam. This canal has been identified as a major conduit for domestic and commercial effluents entering the river system.

The DPR prepared by TCS outlines a long-term strategy for waste management, including the strengthening of the city’s drainage lines, better segregation of sewage, and improved maintenance mechanisms. Once implemented, the project is expected to significantly reduce the pollution load on the Vaigai River and improve the overall quality of life for residents in surrounding areas.

Local residents and environmental activists have long voiced concerns about nearly 36 inlets discharging untreated waste directly into the river. They have urged the authorities to take immediate measures to curb the pollution and expedite the long-pending Vaigai riverfront development project.

Madurai Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan stated that while the civic body awaits funding approval from the state government, interim measures such as clean-up drives, regular inspections, and real-time monitoring are already underway.

Stretching over 12 kilometres through Madurai, the Vaigai River holds both cultural and ecological importance. With public concern growing over the river’s deteriorating condition, the proposed project is being seen as a crucial step towards sustainable urban water management and environmental preservation in the temple city.