6 days ago
Coimbatore Corporation to act against dumping of non-biodegradable waste in Sanganoor canal
The Coimbatore Corporation has decided to step up measures to address the dumping of thermocol and other non-biodegradable waste into the Sanganoor Canal, which drains into Singanallur Lake, in the city.
Waste is frequently found in the canal, particularly along the 1.5-km stretch between Trichy Road and Singanallur Lake. According to Corporation officials, this blocks water flow and has led to recurring flooding in surrounding areas.
Following a request from the Corporation to NGOs to trace the source of the dumping, the Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore conducted a drone survey of the canal. 'We identified five locations where thermocol waste, typically used for packaging machinery, had accumulated, and submitted the findings to the Corporation,' said R. Raveendran, secretary of the association.
Painthamil T, a resident of Sakthi Nagar, said thermocol waste was spotted floating in the canal for over two years. 'All the stormwater drains in the area discharge into the canal. Even moderate rains lead to flooding in Sakthi Nagar, T. Nagar, and Bharathidasan Nagar in ward 64, which are close to the canal. There are no proper stormwater drains in many of these streets and drains are damaged or clogged. We often have to call lorries to pump out stagnant water. We have been raising complaints about waterlogging and waste, but no permanent solution has been found,' the resident said.
A senior Corporation official said the presence of thermocol and other solid waste in the canal is blocking the water flow into Singanallur Lake. 'In several stretches, the water is not flowing forward but is getting pushed back, causing a reverse flow. This is one of the reasons for water stagnation in the surrounding areas,' the official said.
The official added that all sanitary inspectors and officials have been instructed to monitor the canal closely. An inquiry will be carried out to trace the source of the bulk waste. Action will be taken under the Solid Waste Management Rules.
