Untreated sewage from a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Periyakuppam is being discharged into Putlur Lake in Tiruvallur district, polluting the Cooum river, according to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

STP Details:

• Construction began in 2010 under underground sewerage scheme, Rs 54.8 crore cost
• Established in 2014 with treatment capacity of 6.2 MLD
• Currently receives inflow of about 5.5 MLD of sewage
• Operates without 'consent to operate' from TNPCB

Issues Found:

• TNPCB inspection (September 24-October 15) found improper sewage management and untreated discharge into Putlur lake
• Raw sewage water stagnant inside plant premises
• Discoloured water leaking into lake from outlet pipeline
• Excessive bacterial growth suspected due to greenish discharge
• Manavala Nagar lacks underground drainage system; sewage illegally discharged into stormwater drains flowing to Cooum

Response: Tiruvallur municipality establishing new STP at Rs 10.5 crore, 50 feet from existing plant. Uses soil bio-technology (SBT) as support system. Expected operational in 15-20 days. Treated water will discharge downstream of check dam near Putlur.

Manavalanagar Welfare Association has complained that Tiruvallur municipality has been letting out untreated sewage into Putlur lake and contaminating water at Tiruvallur check dam.

A clean stretch of Cooum river near Putlur check dam in Tiruvallur district, 40 km from Chennai, faces degradation from sewage inflow. Urbanisation and absence of proper sewage disposal have plagued the river for years. The Periyakuppam sewage treatment plant (STP) is dysfunctional, releasing raw sewage through stormwater drains from areas including Bagirathiammal Street and Manavalan Nagar. The check dam helps areas tide over water crises. Groundwater at 10 feet depth has declining quality due to river pollution; the river is also an irrigation source. Residents of Manavalan Nagar Residents' Welfare Association submitted petitions demanding sewage treatment before river release and groundwater contamination prevention. The municipality is laying a pipeline to discharge treated wastewater directly into the river instead of via Putlur lake. Raw sewage entering upstream has caused coloured groundwater in areas like Pillaiyar Koil Street. The local body has sunk borewells along the riverbed to supply water to Tiruvallur areas. The downstream stretch between Sorancheri and Avadi is choked with water hyacinth. Tiruvallur municipality chairperson P. Udhayamalar said measures are being taken to control STP odour and incorporate advanced treatment technology. A new ₹10 crore STP near Putlur will be commissioned in one or two months. Poonamallee MLA A. Krishnaswamy said Bacillus bacteria-based chemicals are added to break down pollutants and improve wastewater quality. Advanced soil biotechnology will be deployed to treat sewage. A ₹13 crore project to install shutters in Putlur check dam, reducing siltation and increasing water storage, is under consideration by the Water Resources Department.

Putlur railway station has gained importance in recent years due to proximity to Sidco Industrial Estate at Kakkalur and Angalaparameshwari temple. Commuters complain of minimal passenger amenities and hardships.

Issues:

• Limited pre-printed tickets from Tiruvallur station; certain destinations unavailable
• Dilapidated public conveniences
• No platform shelters or foot over bridge shelter
• No automated ticket vending machine
• No security outpost
• Lack of shelter for pilgrims and commuters, particularly during night and rain

Railway official response: Station lacks required footfall for regular ticketing staff per railway norms. A subway has been sanctioned; feasibility study for lift received with proposal to be submitted soon. Renovation of Divyangjan toilet in progress; drinking water facilities functional.