Rajendra Singh inspects Tamirabharani river, recommends steps for restoration

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On a direction from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, eminent water conservationist Rajendra Singh on Sunday inspected the banks of the Tamirabharani in Tirunelveli.

Mr. Singh — accompanied by petitioner S. Kamaraj, alias Muthalankurichi Kamaraj, and other members — visited several locations along the river, including Perinba Vilas theatre, Chathiram Pudhukulam, Sindupoondurai, and Kurukkuthurai.

Addressing the media in Tirunelveli, Mr. Singh said the authorities managing the rivers were often not integrated in their approach. “We first need a nodal officer who takes responsibility for the river, including clean-up and related measures,” he said.

He added: “If only temporary measures are taken, the river will never be clean.”

Highlighting that population growth and industrial expansion would further increase pollution levels, Mr. Singh said sewage and untreated water must be prevented from entering the river, and recommended separate systems for sewage and fresh water.

He also called for a river literacy movement among those residing along the Tamirabharani.

Major challenges

Mr. Singh further pointed out three major challenges in restoring the river: encroachment, pollution, and corruption.

Unlike the Ganga, the Tamirabharani is not very complicated. If the judiciary, legislature, and executive decide to work together, it will be easy to clean the river, he said.