Coimbatore corporation joins hands with NGO, edu institute to restore stream at Gandhi Maa Nagar

Coimbatore: The city corporation, in collaboration with a local NGO and an educational institution, has commenced the work to restore a 13-km long stream at Gandhi Maa Nagar by adopting a natural treatment model.Originating near the Gandhi Maa Nagar police station, the stream crosses Avinashi Road near Fun Mal and flows through GV Residency and joins Irugur feeder canal after crossing Trichy Road near uzhavar santhai. It runs for a total of 13km.This stream carries 21 million litres of sewage per day, filling the nearby areas, especially Avinashi Road and GV Residency with stench. To address this issue, the city corporation, along with NGO Siruthuli, has initiated the work to restore the stream with funding from PSG & Sons’ Charities.In phase I, which is under way, a 3.5km stretch from Gandhi Maa Nagar police station to Sowripalayam Road would be cleaned and desilted, along with strengthening its bunds.As part of the project, a 1.3km stretch from Avinashi Road to Sowripalayam Road would be fenced at a height of 6ft from the ground level along the GV Residency link road to curb solid waste dumping into the stream.A representative of Siruthuli said, “Vetiver and kalvazhai plants, which have proven to naturally treat wastewater, will be planted along the street. Also, trees will be planted on the slopes to support soil reinforcement on either side of the bund and improve green cover.”The spokesperson said the sewage flowing in the stream would be treated by way of phyco-remediation. “Microalgae and macroalgae will be let into the wastewater near Peelamedu crematorium, allowing treated water to reach Avinashi Road and end up in Noyyal river. This will ensure elimination of odour near Fun Mall, PSG IMSR and GV Residency, which are key areas in the city. Water samples will be tested after treatment once a month to monitor the improvement rates.”