Vaniyambadi residents block sewage plant plan at Valayambattu village

A peace committee meeting convened by the Vaniyambadi municipality on Tuesday ended without agreement after residents of Valayambattu village refused to accept a proposed sewage treatment plant (STP) on a two-acre plot in their area.

Villagers said the facility, planned about three km from Vaniyambadi town, would pollute groundwater in surrounding farming villages and the Palar river. They urged the District Collector to step in on behalf of residents, including farmers.

Municipal officials said the site was selected after more than 20 locations were inspected. They said the plot lies downstream of the river, making it easier to channel the town's wastewater to the plant.

Valayambattu, which falls under the Alangayam Panchayat Union, is home to more than 4,000 families, most of whom depend on agriculture and weaving. The village sits near the confluence of the Kallar and Palar rivers along the Chennai–Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) and has a few water bodies.

Paddy is the main crop in the village and nearby hamlets, with farmers also growing green chilli, brinjal, groundnuts, greens and mango. Residents said the open plot identified for the plant is used for cattle grazing and helps store excess rainwater during the monsoon, preventing houses from being inundated.

According to municipal officials, land in Valayambattu was chosen because high costs made it difficult to find a suitable site within the town. The proposed STP would treat sewage and other wastewater generated by households in Vaniyambadi, with recycled water used to irrigate plants along stretches.

At present, wastewater from homes in the town flows into nearby lakes and ponds, causing pollution. Officials said the new plant would stop the illegal discharge of wastewater into drains and the pollution of water bodies.