Villagers oppose setting up of sewage treatment plant near Sholinghur town in Ranipet

On Friday, villagers, primarily farmers and traders, staged a protest against the proposed construction of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) near Udayarpalayam hamlet by Sholinghur municipality. The residents expressed their concerns over potential pollution of groundwater in the surrounding farming villages and the Palar River.

Udayarpalayam hamlet is part of Pandiyanallur village panchayat, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sholinghur panchayat union. The hamlet houses approximately 1,500 residents who are predominantly farmers and petty traders.

K. Raman, a local farmer, highlighted the impact the proposed treatment plant could have on the water quality of surrounding villages that rely on agriculture. He suggested that the municipality should identify a suitable site within its limits for the new facility.

The villagers are worried that the establishment of the sewage treatment plant near water bodies and farmlands would negatively affect the water quality in the area. They fear that pollution of groundwater and surface water could severely impact farming in the surrounding villages.

Sholinghur municipality officials admitted that they were unable to identify vacant plots within their limits due to high land costs and the dense population. They argued that the village was chosen because it is closer to Sholinghur town, located around three kilometers downstream. The municipal officials also stated that the proposed STP would treat sewage and waste water generated in Sholinghur town, with recycled water being utilized for irrigation purposes.

Currently, the existing storm water drains in the town discharge wastewater from households into nearby lakes and ponds, leading to pollution. The new treatment plant, according to the officials, would eliminate illegal discharge of wastewater into drains and prevent water body pollution.