The coordinating committee of the Tamil Nadu Anaithu Aartu Pasana Vivasayigal Sangangal on Monday (June 15) demanded to prevent the release of effluent into the Thirumanimutharu river.In a release, coordinating committee president M. Thangaraj said Thirumanimutharu is the main tributary of the Cauvery river. Effluent from dyeing units were allegedly being discharged into the Thirumanimutharu. Consequently, parcels of farming land in Salem and Namakkal districts, which used to yield three harvests a year, had become barren.Water from farm wells had also become unsuitable for irrigation and to be given to cattle owing to pollution.The release mentioned how the polluted Thirumanimutharu flows into the Cauvery river at Nanjai Edayar in Namakkal district’s Paramathi Velur. Notably, drinking water to 22 districts is being supplied from the Cauvery.In Salem Corporation, effluent directly entered the Thirumanimutharu at Erumapalayam and Kondalampatti. “The Chief Minister should take action on the dyeing units discharging effluent at night, protect the farmers in Salem and Namakkal districts and ensure that quality drinking water is supplied to the public in the 22 districts,” Mr. Thangaraj added. Published - June 15, 2026 06:46 pm IST