Residents of Koottapalli in Tiruchengode oppose proposal to set up STP in residential area

Aerial view of Koottapalli lake in Tiruchengode municipality in Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Residents of Koottapalli have opposed the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) proposed by the Tiruchengode Municipality, and demanded shifting it to some another location.

The Tiruchengode Municipality, with a population of 1.5 lakh residing in 33 wards, discharges sewage into Koottapalli lake. Environmentalists demanded to stop the discharge into the lake. Following this, the Tiruchengode Municipality decided to set up an STP at Koottapalli at ₹30 crore. However, the local residents opposed the project and staged protests.

M. Ragunathan, a resident of Koottapalli colony, said the Municipality decided to set up the STP at Ayyagoundampalayam initially. Following objection from the people there, the STP was proposed at Koottapalli, that had 4,500 families residing in that area. More than 50% of the Koottapalli lake, spread over 18 acres, was encroached upon. The residents had asked the Municipality to desilt the lake and the State government sanctioned ₹6.50 crores for the same. However, the Municipality has now said that it would desilt the lake when the STP would be set up. If the STP came up, the people feared that it would affect those residing in the two km surrounding. Almost all political parties, including the AIADMK, BJP, and NTK, extended support for the protest by the public. “We are not against the STP and we also agree that treated water should be released into the lake. But the STP should not come in the middle of a residential area,” Mr. Ragunathan added.

Tiruchengode Municipality officials said the protests were more for political reasons. The sewage was being let into the lake now, and there should be an STP to prevent it.

Tiruchengode Municipality Commissioner N. Arul said land was yet to be finalised in Koottapalli for setting up the STP.