Coimbatore: The city corporation has proposed to implement phase-III of the underground drainage (UGD) project. In this final phase, areas such as Ganapathy, Ganapathy Managar, Thannerpandal, Ondipudur, Vadavalli, Veerakeralam, Kavundampalayam and Thudiyalur would be covered.
A city corporation official said, “We have already prepared a detailed project report and are conducting environmental assessment study in the project areas by roping in a consultant. We have approached the Asian Development Bank, seeking financial support for the project and it has vetted the same. The project will be implemented by the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board.”
In this phase, pipelines would be laid for 669.98km with 25,682 manholes. According to the official, 5,603 manholes would be constructed at Ganapathy, Ganapathy Managar, Thannerpandal and Ondipudur in the east zone, where the pipeline would be laid for 141.98km.
While 11,342 manholes will be constructed at Kavundampalayam and Thudiyalur, where pipeline would be laid for 298km, at Vadavalli and Veerakeralam, pipeline would be laid for 230km and 8,737 manholes would be constructed.
Two sewage treatment plants would also be constructed – one near the old dump yard at Kavundampalayam to treat sewage water from Thudiyalur and Kavundampalayam and another one at Chokkampudur to treat sewage from Vadavalli and Veerakeralam. According to the official, sewage water from the east zone will be treated at the existing plant at Ondipudur.
“UGD connection will be provided to 66,0511 households in the third phase. The project is designed in such a way to cater the needs of the population in these areas in 2035 and 2053, when they are estimated to generate 62.33 million litres and 80.68 million litres sewage a day, respectively,” he said.
On Tuesday, the city corporation held a public hearing at three places in the city to understand the public views and grievances regarding the UGD project. Most of them demanded the civic body to implement the project at the earliest.
During the meeting, M Devendran, secretary, Coimbatore District Roads Protection Committee, said, “Instead of releasing the treated sewage water into Sanganoor canal, it should be let into Chinnavedampatti agri water tank that is used for irrigation purposes. While implementing the project, proper traffic management should be ensured by providing alternative routes. A nodal agency should also be appointed to coordinate and ensure smooth execution of inter-departmental work.”
Instead of digging up the middle of the road and damaging it, he says, it would be better if the pipelines are laid on roadsides.