The Hindu 08.06.2010
Residents' plea to shift sewage treatment plant to outskirts
Staff Reporter
TUTICORIN: A group of residents from wards 20, 34 and 35 submitted petition to Collector G. Prakash on Monday seeking his intervention to shift the sewage treatment plant reportedly being established amidst the residential area as part of the ongoing underground drainage project undertaken by the corporation.
The petitioners said the sewage treatment plant, being constructed to separate human waste and water from the sewerage to be pumped from various parts of Tuticorin, was being established in the midst of the residential colony, housing over 4,200 families. While the separated water would be sent into the sea, the solid waste would be transported to other areas.
When the plant would become operational, the foul smell emanating from it would make the residential area unfit for living and the separated water to be sent into the sea would affect the fishing operations as the plant was coming up near the fishing harbour. Moreover, it would also hit the salt pans badly, they noted.
To avoid these adverse impending dangers, the plant might be shifted to a non-residential area beyond Siluvaipatti, another coastal hamlet near Tuticorin.
“This shifting of the sewage treatment plant may escalate the project cost to some extent. But considering the safety and wellbeing of the residents living near the upcoming plant, the district administration should consider this appeal,” said Rev. Fr. Sahayaraj, who accompanied the petitioners.
