Tamil Nadu election 2026: Call to save River Bhavani echoes in Mettupalayam constituency

Saving River Bhavani, which has been polluted and has become a dry bed of sand along considerable stretches towards Sirumugai, is at the top of demands from voters as the largely agrarian landscape of Mettupalayam constituency faces the Assembly election.

The river, originating in the Nilgiris and flowing 216 km through four districts, has over 20 combined drinking water schemes connected to it between Pillur and Lower Bhavani (Bhavanisagar reservoir). It has almost dried up, with water stagnating in small pits between Mettupalayam town and Sirumugai from the first week of March in the ongoing summer.