Tamirabharani pollution: Vehicle washing in river continues as authorities fail to act

Despite repeated censure by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the washing of vehicles in the Tamirabharani river continues unabated, compounding the pollution burden on a waterway that supplies drinking water to millions in Tirunelveli. The practice, which occurs in broad daylight on the banks of the river, has drawn criticism from residents and environmentalists, but official action remains tepid.

The Tirunelveli Corporation, which is responsible for preventing pollution of the river, has been under scrutiny for its failure to stop the inflow of untreated sewage. The second and third phases of the underground drainage scheme, launched in 2018, are progressing at a slow pace, allowing thousands of litres of domestic and industrial sewage to flow into the river daily. In this context, the washing of vehicles in the river has emerged as an additional, preventable source of contamination.

According to local residents, a significant number of lorries, tourist buses, and omni buses are washed on the eastern side of the North Bypass Road bridge every morning. After the heavy vehicles are cleaned, cars and vans are washed at the same spot. The activity is visible from the bridge, yet no enforcement action is taken against the violators.

A trader from Thatchanallur, who regularly bathes in the Tamirabharani, said the problem has worsened in recent times due to the depletion of water levels in open wells and borewells, which has forced more people to depend on the river. He explained that washing vehicles in the river introduces harmful substances into the water. “The stone quarry dust, coal grains, cement dust, damaged bricks, grains, and chemical fertilizers leaked from damaged bags are washed into the river. The worst thing that mixes up with the river is the oil from the vehicles being washed here,” he said.

He also noted that drivers and cleaners often use low-cost washing powders to ease the cleaning process, further polluting the water. “As no one can question these people, they continue to clean their vehicles here, which costs them nothing. A similar wash at a service centre would cost at least ₹500 per car,” he added.

Regular bathers estimate that at least 15 four-wheelers and heavy vehicles are washed at this spot every day, excluding two-wheelers. Many motorcycle and scooter riders also wash their vehicles in the river before bathing. “Cars, vans, buses, and lorries are washed while parked on the bank, but bikes are taken right into the water for cleaning,” the trader said.

When contacted, a senior official of the Tirunelveli Corporation assured that the matter would be looked into immediately. However, Corporation Commissioner Monika Rana did not respond to queries sent via WhatsApp regarding the Corporation’s plans to end the practice.

The ongoing inaction stands in sharp contrast to the Madras High Court's repeated directives to the authorities to protect the Tamirabharani. The court has criticised the Corporation for being a “mute spectator” to the uncontrolled influx of sewage into the river. Environmental activists argue that allowing vehicle washing not only degrades water quality but also undermines the efforts of those working to restore the river.

The Tamirabharani is a major source of drinking water for the region, and its pollution poses a direct threat to public health. Experts say that oils, chemicals, and suspended solids from vehicle washing can harm aquatic life and increase the cost of water treatment. They call for strict enforcement of existing laws, as well as public awareness campaigns to discourage the practice.

As the authorities grapple with the larger issue of sewage management, the unchecked washing of vehicles remains a visible and avoidable form of pollution. Without decisive action, the river will continue to bear the brunt of neglect, affecting the millions who depend on it for their daily needs.