About 2,200 tonnes of wastes, including plastic materials, were removed from River Noyyal during the first 10 days of the cleaning up exercise initiated by industrial units in Tirupur knitwear cluster.
“We have completed half of the 9 km stretch of the river that pass through the cluster. The works are expected to complete before October 25,” Raja Shanmugam, president of Tirupur Exporters Association.
The expenditure of ₹ 30 lakh would be borne by the members of all textile associations in Tirupur cluster, though the drive has the support of district administration.
To safeguard the river from getting polluted again, the textile associations have decided to continue with awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance to keep the river clean.
“Citizens’ participation is essential as they should take pride in keeping water bodies in their respective localities clean,” said Mr. Shanmugam.
The dumping of domestic and plastic wastes, and the discharge from industrial units were the reasons for pollution of the river.
The Madras High Court in 2011 even ordered the closure of all dyeing and bleaching units in the cluster for polluting River Noyyal.
