Coimbatore sewage mess results in 'snowfall'

Residents in Coimbatore were in for a surprise when the air was suddenly thick with something that looked like snowflakes. Only it wasn't falling from the skies!

These white flakes were actually the foam formed from sediments of soap. It happened because residents living upstream of one tank release sewage into Coimbatore's network of 14 tanks.

Trapped remnants

Remnants of detergents got trapped in the water when water hyacinths grew over the surface and ultimately resulted in this unusual 'snowfall'.

"It comes into our homes and stays there. It's like poison and it causes respiratory problems for small children," said Lakshmi Ammal, resident.

NGOs say such complaints are exaggerated by encroachers who want the water diverted away from their homes. For now the inflow into the tank has been reduced.

"As soon as the new water arrives the foam is created because of the soap water. So if we treat the residential sewage water initially this problem may not arise," said Mylsaamy K, Manager, Siruthuli NGO.

The new DMK government has pledged Rs 168 crore for a new underground drainage system for Coimbatore, something that will ultimately prevent this unusual display of the city's sewage.


Courtesy : IBN News