Vaigai river restoration action plan for Madurai corporation stretch
Student name: Mr Praveen Kumar S.
Guide: Ms Fawzia Tarannum
Year of completion: 2015
Host Organisation: Dhan Foundation, Madurai
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Gurunathan
Abstract: Rivers are important source of fresh water and play a major role in India. India is blessed with numerous river systems both perennial and non-perennial rivers. The river systems water is used for drinking, irrigation, transportation, electricity and fisheries. Vaigai is one of the important non-perennial rivers in southern India. It flows through five districts namely Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramananathapuram district of Tamil Nadu State. Madurai Corporation is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the ancient city and important tourist place. Since tourism is one of the important developing industry in Madurai, aesthetic appearance- (color and odor) of the river has an impact in the tourism industry. Due to Urbanization, encroachments and other problems, Vaigai River flowing through Madurai Corporation is getting degraded. Since there are no major industries in Madurai Corporation limit, domestic sewage, solid waste and reduced flows are the main factors, which pollute the river. This study is to draft an action plan to restore the River’s status through community participation. Initially, the problems, in the River, were studied in a detailed manner. Problems and also present status of sewage and solid waste infrastructure, organizational problems, quality problems, encroachments is studied. River’s flow pattern and rainfall pattern of the five districts is also been analyzed. Various stakeholders’ perspectives towards the restoration process and their problems associated with the river were taken into account. Based on their suggestions and considering successful river restoration approaches adopted across the world, possible strategies and solutions, which are sustainable and adaptable to this situation, will be identified. Finally, an action plan will be prepared with the possible suggestions and solutions for various stakeholders to do to restore and maintain the river sustainably in the future.
Keywords: River restoration, Flow pattern, Rainfall pattern, Community based approaches, Water planning and management.
