The mismatch between rapid urbanisation and lack of sufficient sewer infrastructure has threatened the relatively cleaner stretch of the Cooum river. Residents have raised concerns over persistent sewage pollution near the Putlur check dam, located 40 km from Chennai.
Residents of Manavala Nagar, Tiruvallur, said groundwater levels in the neighbourhood had taken a hit after portions of the riverbed were dried up for bridge construction as part of the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road project, a six-lane expressway.
Sewage pollution in the upper reaches of the river can also affect Chennai’s water source, as water diverted through the Puduchatram and Korattur check dams eventually reaches the Chembarambakkam drinking water reservoir.
Pointing out that water stored near the river’s checkdams was a pivotal source of groundwater recharge, residents said this has worsened sewage issues.
D. Anandakrishnan, a resident of Manavala Nagar, said “The entry of untreated sewage directly into the river, particularly near the dry riverbed, will worsen groundwater pollution and undermine efforts to store freshwater near check dams. We have been demanding that the dysfunctional Periyakuppam sewage treatment plant be upgraded to handle growing volume of sewage generated.”
