A blocked inlet channel leading to a sewage treatment plant along Valankulam bund road in Coimbatore on Monday.
| Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M.
An environmental outfit has sought immediate intervention from the State government and regulatory authorities over alleged inflow of untreated sewage into Valankulam in Coimbatore, citing non-functional sewage treatment plants (STPs).In a representation submitted to the State government and copied to district and civic authorities, Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu said field inspections found untreated sewage entering Valankulam through drains near Lanka Corner and opposite the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital.The organisation stated that the 2 million litres per day (MLD) STP behind Bharat Petroleum and the 3 MLD plant near a church were not functioning at full capacity for a prolonged period, with blocked feeder channels preventing sewage from reaching the treatment facilities and resulting in direct discharge into the lake.The petition further alleged that electricity was being continuously consumed at the treatment plants for nearly 1.5 years despite limited sewage treatment activity. It claimed that around ₹2.25 lakh per month was being spent on electricity, based on available information, and sought verification of electricity consumption records, operational logs and expenditure details.It also raised concerns over malfunctioning equipment, damaged pipelines and non-functional monitoring systems at the treatment plants, stating that these issues affected proper operation and required a detailed technical assessment.The representation called for a technical and financial audit of the sewage treatment plants, citing mismatch between electricity consumption and treatment output.The organisation said bird activity in and around Valankulam had declined in recent years and called for scientific studies on water quality, fish samples, sediment quality and biodiversity status. It also sought assessment of potential public health risks arising from sewage contamination.Among its demands were identification and sealing of all sewage entry points into Valankulam, restoration of both the 2 MLD and 3 MLD STPs to full operational capacity, a special audit of electricity usage and maintenance expenditure over the past 1.5 years, and implementation of an integrated ecological restoration plan for the lake. Published - June 08, 2026 06:36 pm IST
