Vaigai and Tamirabharani, two historically significant rivers in southern Tamil Nadu mentioned in Sangam literature, have supported civilizations for over 2,000 years.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has been hearing multiple public interest litigation petitions regarding river rejuvenation. In March 2024, responding to writer S. Kamaraj’s petition, the court directed authorities to prevent sewage discharge into Tamirabharani and ordered the Public Works Department to inspect and address sewage entry points. In December 2024, the court initiated proceedings following reports on Vaigai river pollution, based on a Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation study. Notices were issued to several district Collectors, and the State government was asked to prepare an action plan.
According to Rajan, Chief Organiser of Vaigai Nadhi Makkal Iyakkam, while sewage discharge points into Vaigai river in Madurai city decreased from 68 to 36, the discharge volume remains high. Studies suggest installing pumping stations and treatment plants to address the pollution. Muthalakurichi Kamaraj identified over 17 sewage discharge points along a seven-kilometer stretch of Tamirabharani in Tirunelveli city. He emphasized the need for comprehensive monitoring of all administrative bodies and suggested following London’s Thames river cleanup model. Recently, Tirunelveli MP Robert Bruce informed the High Court that the Centre had agreed to release funds for cleaning Tamirabharani, pending a detailed project report from the State.
