Villagers oppose setting up of sewage treatment plant at Peace Committee meeting held in Vaniyambadi
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Residents of Valayambattu village at the peace committee meeting held by Vaniyambadi municipality on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Peace Committee meeting organised by the Vaniyambadi municipality on Tuesday, to set up new a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), failed as residents of Valayambattu village stood firmly against the proposal. They feared the plant would cause pollution of ground water in surrounding farming villages and the Palar River.
Municipal officials said the new plant would be coming up on a two-acre plot in Valayambattu village, three km from Vaniyambadi town. “The municipality has inspected more than 20 sites for the new facility before finalising the plot in the village (Valayambattu). The proposed site is located downstream of the river and the flow of wastewater from the town will be easier,” said a municipal official.
Residents said that more than 4,000 families resided in Valayambattu village that comes under Alangayam Panchayat Union in the district. Most of the families’ livelihoods depended on agriculture and weaving. “The proposed treatment plant will have an impact on water quality in surrounding villages, as the plant will be built along the river. The District Collector should intervene in the project in the interest of residents, including farmers,” said R. Pratap, a resident.
Residents said that the village had a few water bodies. The village was located near the confluence of Kallar and Palar rivers along the Chennai - Bengaluru Highway (NH 48).
Paddy is the chief crop in the village and in adjoining hamlets. Farmers also cultivated green chilli, brinjal, groundnuts, greens, and mango. Farmers said that the open plot that was identified for the new treatment plant could be used for cattle grazing by farmers. It could also help store excess rainwater during monsoon, thereby preventing inundation of houses in the village.
As municipal officials of Vaniyambadi town were unable to locate land due to high cost, land in Valayambattu village was chosen. The new STP would treat sewage and other wastewater generated in houses in Vaniyambadi town. Recycled water would also be used to water plants on stretches.
At present, wastewater from houses in Vaniyambadi flows into nearby lakes and ponds, resulting in pollution. The new plant would end illegal discharge of wastewater into drains and pollution of water bodies, municipal officials said.
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