₹83-crore underground sewerage overhaul project begins in Mayiladuthurai

Mayiladuthurai embarks on an ₹83.03-crore project to revamp sewerage infrastructure, construct new STPs, and prevent environmental contamination.

Addressing a decades-old issue that has long been a pressing demand from residents, a comprehensive ₹83.03-crore project to overhaul Mayiladuthurai’s underground sewerage infrastructure and construct new sewage treatment plants (STPs) has officially commenced.

The initiative aims to mitigate adverse environmental and public health impacts caused by untreated sewage discharge.

Funded under a special World Bank scheme, the project is slated for completion within two years. A key objective is to prevent the release of untreated wastewater into the Sathyavani Muthu Canal — a persistent problem that has contaminated agricultural lands, reduced groundwater quality, and harmed livestock. In recent years, local residents and farmers have staged several protests, urging authorities to take swift action.

According to municipal sources, ₹52.75 crore has been allocated for laying new sewer lines in recently developed and previously uncovered areas of the municipality. An additional ₹19.75 crore will go toward the construction of two new sewage treatment plants.

One of the new STPs, with a capacity of 9.05 million litres per day (MLD), will be built at Mannambandal, adjacent to the existing plant, which currently operates at a reduced capacity of 5.85 MLD. The second, smaller plant, with a capacity of 0.44 MLD, will be established at Sittarkadu on the outskirts of the municipality, to meet future demands arising from population growth.

The new treatment facilities will adopt Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR) technology — a modern, compact, and efficient method — replacing the outdated Waste Stabilization Pond (WSP) system currently in use. Treated water will be released using advanced systems that ensure better quality and sustainability. The private firm awarded the tender will also be responsible for maintaining both plants for the next ten years, ensuring continued operational efficiency.

Additionally, ₹10 crore has been set aside for various ancillary works, including repairs and upgrades to the existing pipeline network across different parts of the town.