Untreated sewage flows into Kodungaiyur canals non-stop

Chennai: Nearly six months after National Green Tribunal took suo motu cognisance of a TOI report published in Nov 2025 on toxic waste and sewage clogging the Kodungaiyur North and South canals, no concrete action was taken on the ground. Untreated sewage continues to flow through stormwater drains into the waterways.The TOI report highlighted how untreated sewage flows, garbage accumulates, and how toxic waste and foul odour turned stretches of the canal into a health hazard for residents. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board subsequently inspected the area and found that domestic sewage from nearby homes was being illegally discharged into stormwater drains connected to the canal network.Following this, the board issued directions to officials of GCC and Metrowater to stop sewage discharge and ensure complete collection of wastewater through the underground sewerage system before transporting it to sewage treatment plants.Residents, however, said little has changed on the ground. Several stretches of the canal remain polluted by sewage flow, while heaps of floating plastic waste and the accompanying stench affect daily life. "We cannot even keep our doors or windows open in the evening due to the stench. Mosquito infestation has surged , and during rains the dirty water overflows onto roads. Officials visit occasionally, but there is no permanent solution," said D Sampath, a resident of Muthamizh Nagar in Kodungaiyur.Locals expressed concerns over health risks, particularly among kids and the elderly. "Despite the NGT order, illegal sewage is discharged from nearby industrial units," said P Murugan, a resident. Tondiarpet zonal officer was unavailable for comment.