Proposed road works along Noyyal in Coimbatore draws criticism from environmentalists

Environmental activists have raised concerns over the road laying and beautification works proposed under the Noyyal river development project, stating that such components do not address the core issue of sewage entering the river.

Their concerns follow the State government’s approval of a ₹202-crore Noyyal river development project proposed by the Coimbatore Corporation.

The project aims to treat sewage along an 18.5-km stretch of the Noyyal river within the city limits and includes riverbank strengthening works.

As part of the project, three sewage treatment plants (STPs) will be established, including one with a capacity of four million litres per day (MLD) and two with a capacity of three MLD each. Sewage pumping stations and a pipeline have been planned to convey sewage to these treatment facilities.

Riverbank works have been proposed along a 4.3-km stretch from Athupalam Junction to Nanjundapuram Road, where a new road and public access facilities form part of the development plan.

While environmental activists welcomed the proposal to set up STPs, they said the road laying and beautification components were a cause for concern.

R. Manikandan, founder of Kovai Kulangal Pathukaappu Amaippu, said that while the Noyyal riverbed is around 300 feet wide in areas such as Chithiraichavadi, it narrows to about 60 to 80 feet as it flows through the city. He said the river naturally expands during the monsoon and that road laying and beautification works within the flood plain could further restrict its width, obstruct flood flow, and affect groundwater recharge. He also suggested planting native tree species along the banks and removing encroachments to protect the river’s natural course.

K. Mohanraj, an environmental activist, said that road construction along the riverbanks could affect agricultural activity in nearby areas and gradually trigger real estate development pressures. He added that such interventions could lead to the loss of riparian vegetation and impact biodiversity along the river corridor. Instead of paving roads along the riverbanks, he said the funds could be used to improve roads within the city that require immediate attention.

‘Protective buffer’

Responding to the concerns, a senior Corporation official said the project would not narrow the river. The official said encroachments along the banks had been removed and boundary stones laid to prevent future encroachments. The proposed road, the official said, would act as a protective buffer, improve traffic movement, and benefit the public, adding that the project would not result in biodiversity loss.