Post-Pushkaram clean up proves a tough task at Cauvery banks

TIRUCHY, NAGAPATTINAM: Four days after the Cauvery Maha-Pushkaram drew to a close, cleaning up the muck is proving to be a tough job as Cauvery banks in Srirangam is strewn with discarded clothes and waste. The situation at Thulakattam tank in Mayiladuthurai is no different.

The river bed that was vibrant as several thousands of people converged for a dip in the Cauvery from across the country during the 12-days is all dull and dirty now. Those crossing the Cauvery bridge to Srirangam or the Odathurai bridge have to endure a nasty stench and cover their faces in disgust unable to bear it.

“With several devotees coming from other States like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, many after taking a holy dip in Amma Mandapam left behind wet clothes and offerings made to the river godess. These are decomposing giving rise to foul smell,” rued Krishnamachari, a regular visitor to the Amma Mandapam.

He said though massive arrangements were made by the organisers of the festival, after it was over, neglect crept in. The Corporation, which made arrangements for temporary tanks and showers, has been unable to regroup sanitation workers to clean up the mess.

The river witnessed several festivals in a short span of time such as Adi Perukku, Vinayagar idol immersion, Cauvery Pushkaram and Mahalaya Amavasya, all leading to a huge pile-up of garbage, said a Corporation official. Even though bins were placed to discard waste, no one bothered to use them, officials said.

With no steady water flow in the Cauvery, the stagnant water over several stretches till Chennai Bypass from Amma Mandapam has resulted in the stench. Several residents in and around the area have come to the rescue by collecting discarded clothes and selling them. In Mayiladuthurai, the Municipality started cleaning up the huge pile of waste on Monday. About 10 lakh devotees had visited the town over the 12 days.