Water retained at the restored Saadivayal stream in the Noyyal basin after recent rainfall, in Coimbatore on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Consistent rainfall over the upper catchment of River Noyyal is expected to improve inflow into the river, with restoration works carried out across several feeder streams helping retain rainwater and enhance groundwater recharge.River Noyyal is formed by 34 streams originating in the Western Ghats. These streams sustain the river system, support agriculture and groundwater recharge, and feed a network of tanks across Coimbatore.As part of its Noyyal basin restoration initiative, Siruthuli has rejuvenated more than seven streams through desilting, strengthening stream channels and constructing check dams. The interventions are aimed at improving rainwater retention, reducing runoff, enhancing groundwater recharge and restoring the aquifer.A team from Siruthuli, on Saturday (July 4, 2026), visited the Saadivayal, Nandangarai, Mundanthurai, Mosarambu and Irutupallam streams to assess the impact of the restoration works, evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and identify the remaining challenges.Siruthuli representatives said the restoration measures, particularly the construction of check dams and desilting of stream channels, have enabled the streams to retain more water this year, than in previous years, despite the southwest monsoon not being particularly strong so far. The check dams have slowed the flow of water, increased percolation, improved groundwater recharge and helped sustain water availability in the basin, they added.The Coimbatore District Disaster Management Authority said the district received a cumulative rainfall of 159 mm across 23 rain gauge stations during the 24-hour period ending at 7.30 a.m. on Sunday (July 5, 2026), with an average rainfall of 6.91 mm. Chinnakalar recorded the highest rainfall at 36 mm, followed by Sholayar (29 mm), Valparai PAP (21 mm), Siruvani Adivaram (19 mm), Cincona (19 mm) and Valparai Taluk (16 mm). Published - July 05, 2026 07:05 pm IST
