Siruthuli

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Siruthuli is a NGO based in Coimbatore India which works to rejuvenate the water sources in the city of Coimbatore.

Siruthuli (which means small drop in Tamil) has been very successful in reclaiming most of the urban water bodies in Coimbatore. With the rainwater harvesting implemented by Siruthuli, there has been a substantial increase in water table in all the areas in and around Coimbatore[1]

Contents

[edit] Stated objectives of Siruthuli

  • Reviving the heritage of Coimbatore vis-à-vis its traditional water management system
  • Rainwater harvesting to harness rainwater and de-silt ponds, canals and waterways in disuse to raise the ground water level
  • Preventing environmental degradation by launching a drive against non-bio degradable wastes
  • Afforestation drive
  • Mass education programmes to provide awareness to the larger community to protect the environment
  • Institutionalizing waste water management and thereby improving sanitation facilities in the community
  • Initiating projects for a cleaner and greener environment
  • To foster inter-community relationship through a wider participation by the community to build up a strong social solidarity

[edit] Progress Made Thus Far

Large scale rainwater harvesting

Seven lakes in and around Coimbatore have been desilted and deepened: Krishnampathy, Narasampathy, Selvampathy, Kumarasamy, Selvachinthamani, Kurichi Kulam, Coimbatore big tank.

Roadside Rain Water Harvesting Structures

With the help of the Coimbatore Corporation, 150 deep borewells with recharge pits and percolation / filter chambers were constructed to harvest the rainwater from roads and the open spaces of Coimbatore city. these pits have proven their efficacy in preventing flooding and water stagnation; with a by-product of recharging ground water. Water levels and water samples have been collected periodically to study the fluctuations in ground water levels and the water quality. This study will be carried out once in three months which will help as to arrive a best possible ways of safe rainwater harvesting from road side and open spaces within the city.

Solid Waste Management- Waste To Wealth Removal of water hyacinth and garbage

Valankulam and Selvachintamani tanks are covered with water hyacinth mainly due to the sewage water contamination. Water hyacinth has been proved to be an ideal breeding for mosquitoes and since it has 80% water content, it is also a potential threat for depletion of water level in the tank. Siruthuli in its endeavour to preserve the water in these tanks, undertook the massive project of removing the water hyacinth from them. The water hyacinth thus removed, from Valankulam, Selvachinthamani, Periyakulam and Krishnampathy tanks were processed as manure using EM Technology. The manure obtained from the water hyacinth was tested and proved as a best bio-manure for agricultural crops. The Coimbatore Corporation, like other Municipal Corporations, has also commenced segregation of waste at source in South Zone. It is reported that about 600 Megatonne (MT.) of garbage is being generated daily in Coimbatore Corporation. Out of the 600 MT. solid waste generated daily, the Corporation authorities assured of supplying 100 MT. of organic market/hotel waste daily to Siruthuli for processing the bio-degradable waste into bio-compost using EM Technology. Siruthuli will take up 100 MT processing of waste in a phased manner.

[edit] Current Works

  • Dredging and de-silting of the Valankulam Tank
  • Noyyal Encroachments Removal Work

[edit] Future Activities

  • Eco – Forums in Schools and Colleges
  • Restoration of Noyyal River
  • Afforestation
  • Roadside and open space rainwater harvesting
  • Solid waste management - Waste to wealth
  • Landfill for accumulated un-segregated waste of Coimbatore Corporation

[edit] External links

[edit] References