Residents Allege Textile Effluent Discharge Into River Cauvery At Vairapalayam
Residents and farmers in Vairapalayam have raised serious concerns over the alleged discharge of untreated effluents from textile processing units into drains that directly flow into the River Cauvery. They claim that industrial waste is being illegally released, especially at night and during rains, to avoid detection.
Locals alleged that sewers meant for domestic wastewater are now being misused by textile units to dump effluents. With water now being released from the Mettur Dam for delta irrigation, residents said that effluent discharge has become more blatant—even during the day. On Friday, a noticeable change in the river’s colour further fuelled suspicions that the polluting activities had resumed.
“This is our lifeline, and we cannot allow it to be turned into a drain,” said a resident, demanding immediate action from the authorities to prevent further contamination.
Despite repeated complaints, locals allege that no substantial action has been taken. The continued pollution, they say, poses a grave threat to both public health and agriculture. Some also accused the Corporation of releasing untreated domestic sewage into the river at Vairapalayam and Vendipalayam.
Effluents from textile units and domestic sewage reportedly enter the Cauvery through local water channels including Perumpallam, Pichaikaranpallam, and Sunnambu Odai. In 2023, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) identified the river stretch passing through Erode as one of the most polluted in the country, primarily due to untreated sewage.
On March 13, 2024, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the establishment of sewage treatment plants within Corporation limits to curb the pollution. Officials have confirmed that the process to appoint a consultant for preparing a detailed project report (DPR) is currently underway.
Residents, however, have urged swift and effective implementation, warning that further delays
