Unregulated waste dumping along Uyyakondan river sparks concern

Indiscriminate waste dumping along Uyyakondan riverbank raises environmental concerns, urging immediate action for prevention and preservation.

The indiscriminate dumping of waste from marriage halls, commercial establishments, and multiple panchayats along the Uyyakondan riverbank between Tiruchi MGM GH and Allithurai bridge has raised serious environmental concerns among residents and farmers in the region.

Commuters along this stretch frequently witness unsegregated waste piling up near Iniyanallur Bridge behind Vasan Veli, Somarasanpettai burial ground, and scattered along the riverbank. The issue has persisted due to the lack of strict monitoring, affecting both the water quality and the surroundings.

Solid waste from at least five panchayats—Athavathur, Somarasanpettai, Nachikurichi, Malliyambathu, and Allithurai—is reportedly dumped along the riverbank, along with waste from marriage halls and fish markets in Tiruchi city. Due to poor waste management and a lack of proper segregation, much of the dumped waste is either burnt partially or left to accumulate along the riverside, worsening pollution levels.

Residents and farmers argue that the Water Resources Organisation (WRO) of the Public Works Department (PWD) must take immediate and strict action to prevent further contamination of the Uyyakondan canal.

Speaking to The Hindu, Vayalur N. Rajendran, treasurer of the farmers’ wing in Tamil Manila Congress, emphasised the urgency for intervention. “These wastes are spoiling the Uyyakondan channel. The road along the riverbank belongs to the WRO, and strict enforcement from them could help preserve the canal,” he said.

While a long-term solution would involve transporting the collected waste to the Ariyamangalam dump yard, panchayat officials cite financial constraints as a major hurdle in transporting waste over long distances.

Meanwhile, the WRO department has acknowledged the issue and stated that efforts are being made to convince panchayats to stop dumping waste along the riverbank. However, enforcement remains a challenge due to a shortage of manpower to monitor and prevent illegal dumping.