The decentralised sewage treatment plant in Srirangam, Tiruchi, which as been non-functional for over two years.
| Photo Credit: R. VENGADESH
The city’s first decentralised onsite sewage treatment plant (STP) near Yatri Nivas in Srirangam remains non-functional, resulting in untreated wastewater being discharged directly into the Kollidam.The Tiruchi Corporation commenced work on the STP in February 2023 at an estimated cost of ₹1.33 crore. Designed with a treatment capacity of two million litres of wastewater per day, the facility was intended to process sewage generated from households and commercial establishments in Srirangam and Thiruvanaikoil.Though the project was scheduled for commissioning in 2023, progress was delayed due to the slow installation of the collection and flocculation tanks required for removing solid waste from sewage. Officials said a trial run of the plant had been conducted, during which the treated water recorded a neutral pH level of around 7.The STP was planned to address the growing volume of wastewater expected over the next two decades. Besides preventing groundwater contamination, the project was expected to protect the livelihood of washermen who depend on the river for their occupation.However, despite the completion and initial commissioning of the facility, the plant has remained defunct for nearly two years. Consequently, untreated sewage from the locality flows into the Kollidam. This has affected washermen and farmers who rely on the river. Residents and visitors, who bathe in the river, are also exposed to potential health risks due to the pollution.According to Suresh Venkatachalam, president of Srirangam Nagara Nala Sangam, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed that sewage should not be discharged directly into rivers and must be treated before being released. The continued discharge of untreated wastewater into the Kollidam, he said, was a clear violation of these directions.“Despite multiple representations, action has not been taken by the authorities. Immediate measures are required to prevent the discharge of sewage into the Kollidam,” he said.Corporation officials said approval for the maintenance of the plant was still pending. An official claimed that the facility functioned for a few months after commissioning, but operations ceased after the maintenance contract ended. The plant is expected to resume operations once the necessary approvals are obtained. Published - June 07, 2026 07:25 pm IST
