The event took place at Kooduthurai, the origin where thousands gathered to take an
oath to support the restoration of Noyyal. Representatives from various districts of
NORFED attended the event. Social Activist and Padma Bhushan awardee Anna
Hazare was the chief guest for the event. Actor Surya who has always been a crusader
of the cause joined in to create awareness and encourage people of the region to
protect the river. The event was well attended by the public, schools, and institutions,
having cultural events and talks by guests on the mighty river.
The river originates in the Western Ghats, the Periyar that begins at Kovai Courtallam,
at the Siruvani foothills located 38 km west of the city, the Chinnaar (also known as
Chaadiaar) and the Kanchimanadhi join at Kooduthurai to form the Noyyal. The 160 km
river joins the Cauvery at Kodumudi in Erode District after flowing through Coimbatore,
Tirupur, Erode and Karur. A hamlet at the point of confluence is also named Noyyal.
Besides, 34 rivulets also join the Noyyal at various points. The river has 23 check
dams. Most are located between Kooduthurai and Tirupur, 52 km east of Coimbatore
city.
Over time, neglect and mismanagement have led to the disappearance of the river
from the landscape. Out of the 34 streams, only 4 of them are barely visible . The main
reason being encroachment, silt formation over time and many of them converted into
cart tracks which prevent water from the adjoining hills from reaching the river. The river
itself has been devastated beyond recognition due to pervasive sand mining, garbage
being dumped, and sewage being let into the river. This has destroyed the pristine
nature of the river Noyyal.
Noyyalai Nòkki is a robust effort to bring back life to Noyyal. Siruthuli for the first time
worked on a 3D concept :
DIVIDE – River Noyyal into 500-meter segments
DISTRIBUTE – the segments among people who are willing to adopt it
DEVELOP – the segments by desilting, setting up sewage treatment plants, tree
planting along the banks etc.
Each of the segments will have a watchdog committee comprising of a donor, an
educational institution – both school and college, local youth groups and community
leaders from the local region coming together to make a difference.
COME!! – MOTHER NOYYAL NEEDS YOU!!!
