Save Noyyal, Save Kongu’s Lifeline! 

The Noyyal River, once a lifeline for communities in Tamil Nadu, India, now faces a severe crisis. Centuries ago, the river played a crucial role in sustaining agriculture and providing drinking water for villages. Today, it is a shadow of its former self, largely due to unchecked industrial pollution, rampant encroachments, and discharge of untreated sewage. 

Action in Vengaivayal, Silence for Noyyal!

When the Vengaivayal incident came to light—where drinking water was contaminated by human faeces—it was treated as a serious crime. Investigations were ordered, CB-CID stepped in, commissions were formed, and swift action was taken.

But here lies the double standard:
While individuals in Vengaivayal were arrested for contaminating water with human faeces, the Government itself continues to discharge untreated sewage into the Noyyal River—openly contaminating soil, groundwater, and farmland across the Kongu belt. Water from Noyyal river and lakes were taken and sent to labs for testing, E. coli was found in water samples which suggests that faecal matter is being discharged into the river

Every day, lakhs of litres of sewage are dumped into the Noyyal. This polluted water seeps into our land and drinking sources, carrying heavy metals and toxins that damage health. Scientific studies from Coimbatore have already shown:

Soil & agriculture: Sewage water reduces fertility, poisons crops, and degrades land.

Groundwater: High levels of nitrates, sulphates, and heavy metals make it unsafe for consumption.

Health: Long-term exposure can lead to kidney failure and liver damage, diabetes, neurological problems, and cancers.

The Sewage Tax Betrayal:
In 2023–24 alone, Coimbatore collected ₹467 crore in taxes (out of a ₹682 crore demand)—this includes sewage tax and UGD charges paid by the people. But despite crores collected, sewage treatment is grossly inadequate, and untreated waste continues to poison the Noyyal.

Indian Law:

Dumping untreated sewage into rivers violates environmental laws (like India’s Water - Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974).
The Coimbatore Corporation or industries may be held accountable if they are sources of the contamination.

If people in Vengaivayal contaminating water were seen as a crime, how can the government’s large-scale contamination of the Noyyal River be ignored?

Our Demands:

1. Immediate stop to sewage discharge into the Noyyal River.

2. Full transparency in sewage tax utilization—every rupee collected must be accounted for.

3. Expansion and strict monitoring of sewage treatment plants (STPs).

4. Equal urgency and accountability—the same seriousness shown in Vengaivayal must be applied to save the Noyyal.

We are launching a petition to collect 100,000 signatures. If action can be taken in Vengaivayal, it must also be taken to protect the Noyyal.

👉 Sign the petition today:

Sign this petition to urge the government to prioritize sustainable measures for the revival of the Noyyal River. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and thriving environment for generations to come.