River Thirumanimuthar that flows through the city is in a bad shape. Unbearable odour emanates from the river due to the sewage that gets mixed with it. The residents of the city want the river to be cleaned up.
Originating in the Valasaiyur sub-basic in Shevaroyan Hills, the river flows from Manjavadi Ghat in the north, Velampatti reserved forest in the east, Kapputhu reserved forest in the west and takes a south-western course to reach the city before joining River Cauvery at Vangi in Tiruchengode.
Of the total 102 km it travels, the river passes through 13.2 km in the city limits. The river once served as a major source for groundwater recharge in Salem and Namakkal districts. However, due to encroachment of waterways and pollution, it is one of the most polluted rivers in the State. Presence of residential areas and markets along the river contribute for the pollution.
The river overflows during monsoon season and under the Flood Protection Scheme the State government sanctioned Rs. 31.50 crore in 2007 for cement lining of the river and also for strengthening river beds. The project was supposed to be completed in a year. Even after eight years, the project remains incomplete.
The State government in April 2012 had announced that surplus water from Mettur dam would be diverted to link Cauvery – Sarabanga through 182-km long canal to augment irrigation potential in the sub-basins of Sarabanga, Thirumanimuthar and Musiri at a cost of Rs. 1,134 crore. But so far nothing has materialised except a survey. If the project was implemented, the river could have water sources thereby regaining its lost glory.
The corporation had in the previous years announced establishing multiple parking lots along the river bank and also proposed an elevated corridor project. But due to lack of funds, the projects remain on paper.
Also, once the under ground drainage work is completed, sewage collected from 60 wards would be treated at the four sewage treatment plants in the city and the processed water would be let off in the river.
