Protect Our Waters: Urgent Call to Address Effluent Discharge Crisis in River Thirumanimutharu, Veerapandi
In the heart of Tamil Nadu, the Veerapandi constituency has been a long-standing battleground between the DMK and AIADMK since 1977. Over the decades, the AIADMK has claimed victory in eight elections (1977, 1980, 1984, 1991, 2001, 2011, 2016, and 2021), while the DMK has secured six wins (1962, 1967, 1971, 1989, 1996, and 2006). The Congress party previously won the constituency in 1957.
Geographically, Veerapandi encompasses parts of the Salem South taluk, alongside the blocks of Veerapandi and Panamarathupatti, and includes the town panchayats of Elampillai, Attaiyampatti, and Mallur. The region is primarily agricultural, with residents engaging in the cultivation of millets, sugarcane, flowers, and various vegetables. However, a pressing issue looms over local farmers: the Thirumanimutharu river, a crucial water source, is heavily polluted by effluents discharged from illegal dyeing units. This pollution has forced farmers to rely on groundwater and alternative water sources.
Local resident S. Rajendran, from Poolavari, emphasized the scale of farming in the area, stating that over 10,000 acres are dedicated to agriculture in Veerapandi. “When complaints are made to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, they seal the offending units, but these operations simply relocate and continue their pollution elsewhere,” he lamented. Consequently, coconut farming has emerged as the primary crop in Poolavari and surrounding villages.
The Panamarathupatti lake, which spans over 2,137 acres, has been dry for years owing to encroachments blocking its water supply. R. Gunasekaran, a Panamarathupatti resident, highlighted the local farmers’ demand to remove these encroachments. Despite promises from political parties to rejuvenate the lake for tourism, action remains elusive. “If water from the Mettur Dam were channeled into the lake, it would replenish groundwater, providing farmers with irrigation and ensuring consistent drinking water for the Panamarathupatti Panchayat Union,” he argued.
J. Prakash from Elampillai pointed out that similar encroachments have led to the drying up of his local lake, which once facilitated water flow to several villages in the Namakkal district. He noted, “No steps have been taken to address the encroachment issues and restore water access.”
As the upcoming election draws nearer, calls for infrastructure improvements are growing louder. Residents are demanding a railway underpass at Malankadu in Neikarapatti, which has been a necessity for the last four decades. P. Raja explained that the new railway fence installations necessitate a detour of up to three kilometers for locals seeking access to the Salem-Coimbatore National Highway. This has prompted over 5,000 families from 20 villages to threaten an election boycott.
Furthermore, P. Jaya from Vembadithalam mentioned that the existing narrow underpass has been prone to water stagnation, causing considerable inconvenience during the rainy season. She advocated for the construction of a flyover instead.
In the impending electoral face-off, the AIADMK has nominated S. Sri Balaji Sukumar, while A.K. Tharun represents the DMK. M.S. Palanivel is contesting for the TVK and Rajeshkumar for the NTK. With a four-cornered contest anticipated, AIADMK supporters remain confident of a win, while DMK cadre express optimism over the Chief Minister’s leadership guiding them to victory.
As the fierce rivalry continues, the Veerapandi constituency remains a focal point in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/effluent-discharge-into-river-thirumanimutharu-a-major-issue-in-veerapandi/article70822972.ece
Category : Tamil Nadu
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Publish Date: 2026-04-04 23:36:00
