Bhavani River Protection Committee stages demonstration, urging action against industrial pollution

Bhavani River Protection Committee stages demonstration to address pollution threatening water source for thousands in four districts.

Stating that the Bhavani River is the lifeline for several lakh people across four districts and that its pollution is a serious concern, members of the Bhavani River Protection Committee staged a demonstration at Bhavanisagar on Monday.

Members from various political parties, farmers’ associations, and social welfare organizations had initially planned to stage a hunger strike in front of the Public Works Department office at Bhavanisagar. However, following a meeting with officials and police on March 22, they decided to hold a demonstration instead.

Led by former Bhavanisagar MLA P.L. Sundaram, the members highlighted that the river, which originates in the Nilgiris, is a long perennial river stretching 216 km before merging with the Cauvery River at Bhavani. It serves as the primary source of water for agriculture and drinking purposes in Coimbatore and Erode districts. However, they lamented that the river has lost its pristine state due to industrial effluent discharge, resulting in prolonged water contamination.

They further stated that the consumption of polluted river water has led to health issues among both the public and cattle. They also criticized the inaction of concerned authorities in addressing the problem.

The movement, formed in 2023 with the primary objective of demanding action against industrial pollution, represents the concerns of several lakh people and urged the authorities to take immediate steps.

S.C. Natraj, convenor of the movement, along with other members, participated in the demonstration.