Untreated Sewage Released into Bamani River, Affecting Water Supply

The Coordination Committee of All Farmers’ Associations of Tamil Nadu alleged that Mannargudi Municipality released untreated sewage into the Bamani river. This sewage stagnated at the Serankulam barrage, which is used by cattle for drinking water. The release occurred despite ₹240 crore having been allocated for the underground sewage network system under the Mannargudi municipal domain. The spillover eventually reached the Thoppathanaveli barrage before the river joins the Bay of Bengal.

The Bamani river serves as a critical lifeline for paddy cultivation in and around Mannargudi. The discharge of untreated sewage into this system raises concerns regarding the long-term viability of the river as an agricultural resource. The incident calls for a lasting solution to prevent further environmental degradation.