Vaigai needs a thorough cleaning from the hills to the sea
197 pipes or canals bring sewage into Vaigai at 177 spots from Valipparai in the hills to Attrankarai in Ramanathapuram district where the river joins the sea, say expertsTrickling down the Varushanad hills near Valipparai village in Theni district, Vaigai river begins to take shape. Here, the water rippling over smooth pebbles on the riverbed is crystal clear. Fit for drinking, say the villagers and the team from Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation (MNCF), who were on a survey mission, drank the cool and sweet water before a sample was taken for testing.

Within 24 hours, the test was done at Water Quality Testing Laboratory, Water Watch Centre, The DHAN Academy, Madurai, and the result was shocking. As per the Central Pollution Control Board, water quality has been classified into A, B, C, D, and E category. The water taken from Valipparai was of D grade, which means it is fit only for wildlife and fisheries. This came as a shock for the MNCF people who were on a six-day continuous study from August 28 to September 2, right after the end of south west monsoon season when there was water flow in the river.