Thirumanimutharu River (tributary of Kaveri)



Thirumanimutharu River

The Thirumanimutharu River originates from three reserved forests in the Eastern Ghats in Salem district, Tamil Nadu. It runs for 120 kilometers through Namakkal district before joining the Cauvery River near Paramathi Velur at Nanjai Edayar village in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu.

River Linking

The Cauvery-Ponniyar-Thirumanimutharu River Linking Project is a proposed initiative in Tamil Nadu aimed at improving water resource management in the region. This project is part of broader efforts to connect various river systems to address water shortages, particularly in drought-prone areas.

Thirumanimutharu River Pollution

Historically, the Thirumanimutharu River has been an important water source for agriculture and local communities. However, it has become heavily polluted due to industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff. The river's degradation has sparked environmental concerns, leading to government intervention and public demand for rejuvenation.

Environmental Impact

The high levels of industrial pollutants and sewage have severely affected aquatic ecosystems. Oxygen depletion, caused by organic waste and chemicals, has reduced biodiversity in the river.

Rejuvenation Efforts

In response to the severe pollution, several efforts have been made to clean up and rejuvenate the Thirumanimutharu River:Sewage Treatment Plants : The Tamil Nadu government, with the intervention of the National Green Tribunal, has initiated the construction of STPs along the river to treat domestic sewage before it enters the river. As of recent reports, multiple STPs with a combined capacity of 98 million liters per day are in various stages of completion.Pollution Control Measures: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has intensified its monitoring efforts and enforcement of pollution control measures. Several illegal industrial units have been shut down, and stringent regulations have been imposed on industries to ensure compliance with environmental norms. Regular inspections are carried out to detect unauthorized effluent discharge.
Despite these efforts, the implementation of rejuvenation projects, such as the construction of STPs, has faced delays due to issues like tender processes and bureaucratic hurdles, slowing down the river's recovery.