The District Administration will launch a series of intensive initiatives towards the restoration and cleaning of the Vaigai River from October 10.
District Collector L. Subramanian had said that steps would be taken towards the restoration of the Vaigai, about a month ago, which would be spearheaded by guidance committee consisting of officials from different government departments including the Public Works and Forest departments as well as educational institutions and service organisations.
“Restoration works which include encroachment removal along the banks, clearing of seemai karuvelam trees as well as planting of saplings, will commence from October 10. College students as well as members of National Service Scheme (NSS) will participate in the awareness drives and help coordinate with residents who lived along the banks,” he said.
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He noted that along the stretch of the Vaigai from Kamarajar Salai till Madichiyam, human waste and effluents were released. Garbage was dumped on the riverbed. Steps were needed to contain the practice. There are also plans of hosting cultural events and programmes near the river on full-moon nights, to celebrate the rich history and legacy of the river.
It may be recalled that steps towards the restoration of the Vaigai and the formation of a guidance committee for the same happened after December 2014 when K. Phanindra Reddy, Principal Secretary, Municipal Water Supply, suggested during a visit to Madurai that a long-term plan be implemented to restore the river and mooted the idea of forming a committee for the purpose.