PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss in Coimbatore urged for funds to be allocated by the Chief Minister to protect Noyyal.
Coimbatore: A seminar titled 'Save the Noyyal River' was organised by the Pasumai Thaayagam at Padmavathi Amman Cultural Centre in the Peelamedu area of Coimbatore. PMK leader, Anbumani Ramadoss was the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address.
Vanitha Mohan, President of Siruthuli, Deivasikamani, President of the Joint Movement of Tamil Nadu Farmers' Unions, Arul, Secretary of Pasumai Thaayagam and others were present at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Anbumani Ramadoss said, "We are responsible for destroying the Noyyal river. Cauvery is the main river in Tamil Nadu. It gives water to 5 crore of the total 8 crore people for drinking and agriculture. In 1999, I launched a bicycle awareness campaign to save Bhavani. It is our duty to conserve the natural resources and pass it on to our descendants. 40 years ago, there was enough water to drink from the Noyyal River which is the only river that was protected by the Cheran, Chola and Pandya kings."
Ramadoss added, "Coimbatore is proud to be known as the Manchester of India. They cut down trees from the Velliangiri hills to build the city. Noyyal started to perish since then. We have to start from Velliangiri to restore Noyyal. It is only in the Orathupalayam Dam that the farmers are protesting against the release of water from the dam. Noyyal is affected by the solid waste flowing through Coimbatore. If I had the power to govern, it could have been corrected in a single signature. This will be followed by political parties arriving at the Noyyal and we should promote water management, without which there is no future."
"The Vaigai Dam does not get water since Megamalai destroyed the forest on Vellimalai and made it an estate. Even if there are political objections, we will do it in spite of that. Of course, I have come in the hope that we can. I am not doing politics for identity or publicity. I am an emotional politician. I have come to Kongu because of my self-confidence. Noyyal has to be saved," he further added.
Later speaking to reporters, Ramadoss said, "Our aim is to restore the Noyyal river. The centre of Kongu is the Noyyal River. Today, it is in a very bad condition due to pollution and various other problems. Many people have been and are engaged in this effort before. The Government should come forward. I urge the Central and State Governments to work together to save the Noyyal river."