Nagercoil River Choked: Sewage Floods Pazhayar

The Pazhayar river in Nagercoil is critically endangered by the continuous discharge of untreated sewage and industrial wastewater, raising alarm among residents about its ecological future. Domestic pollution and effluents from rubber processing units are identified as key sources contributing to the alarming decline in water quality. This widespread contamination has led to the proliferation of invasive water hyacinths, choking significant stretches of the river and rendering once-used bathing ghats unusable.

The core of this environmental crisis lies in the Nagercoil Corporation's inadequate infrastructure, particularly the absence of a functional sewage treatment plant. Coupled with an incomplete underground drainage system, the city's terrain further complicates effective wastewater management. While natural floods offer temporary respite by flushing pollutants, proactive and sustained measures from both authorities and the public are deemed essential to preserve this vital water resource.

Experts highlight that rapid urbanization without commensurate infrastructure development has pushed the Pazhayar river to a critical state, jeopardizing its historical significance as the lifeblood of the Nanjil Nadu region. Although the Corporation has begun sealing sewage inlets, residents and environmentalists emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive government action to restore the river's health for future generations.