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Time of India
18 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Residents relieved as Panthalkudi STP is reactivated after one year
Madurai: The Panthalkudi sewage treatment plant (STP) on the northern bank of the Vaigai river is back in operation after lying idle for more than a year, providing relief to residents concerned about untreated water entering the Vaigai river ahead of the monsoon. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The two-million-litre-per-day (MLD) facility, built at a cost of 3 crore in 2021, was dismantled a year ago when work on the 1.3km main arm of the Goripalayam flyover sliced through its site. With the flyover's deck-slab work now underway, Madurai corporation has reconstructed the plant a few metres downstream on land identified in consultation with the state highways (SH) department, which bore the relocation cost of roughly 1 crore. The restart comes barely a week after chief minister M K Stalin inspected the heavily silted Panthalkudi channel during his city visit. Civic officials hope the revived STP will prevent raw sewage from flowing directly into the Vaigai, especially when lakhs of devotees converge on the riverbank for Chithirai festivals. A senior corporation official said the plant was commissioned last week after trial runs showed "satisfactory treatment efficiency." "We re-laid the inlet mains, repaired the clarifier, and installed new disinfection lamps. All parameters are within permissible limits," the official told TOI. Civic activists, however, have criticised the relocation as a symptom of poor planning. "How could the corporation miss the flyover alignment when it set up an STP just three years ago? Now we're spending another 1 crore—public money wasted," said M Rajan, president of Vaigai Nathi Makkal Iyakkam. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Calling the present capacity "woefully inadequate," he pointed out that roughly 8 MLD of sewage flows through the channel on peak days. "At the very least, they should have doubled the capacity while shifting the plant," he argued, adding that the facility remained shut throughout the recent Chithirai festival, when demand is highest.
The Star
12-05-2025
- The Star
Harmonious and devout Wesak Day celebrations held nationwide
KUALA LUMPUR: This year's Wesak Day celebration was marked with vibrant and harmonious gatherings as Buddhist devotees filled temples nationwide to observe religious rites. In the capital, worshippers began arriving at the iconic Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields from 8am to take part in ceremonies commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The celebration also drew local visitors and foreign tourists eager to experience the occasion and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist traditions. Among them was M Rajan, 45, a Hindu, who said he attended the event to honour his Buddhist friends and learn more about their beliefs. "Malaysia is a multicultural and multireligious country. I believe it's important for us to respect one another's faiths and celebrate together. This is one of the ways we can nurture harmony,' he told Bernama. Filipino tourist Jonathan Reyes said he visited the temple to gain a deeper appreciation of local culture and religious celebrations. "It's nice to see how peaceful and respectful the atmosphere is. I'm not a Buddhist, but being here today has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of Malaysia's spiritual diversity,' he said. In SELANGOR, visitors thronged the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, one of the main destinations and top choices for thousands of Buddhists during the annual Wesak Day celebrations. Temple manager Miao Yue, 52, said an estimated 30,000 devotees visited the temple since last Saturday (May 10), carrying out religious ceremonies and tributes marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama. In PERAK, over at the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Tambun, Bernama observed thousands of devotees queuing to light incense, scatter flower petals and perform the ceremonial bathing of Buddha statues, joined by foreign tourists eager to experience the Wesak Day celebration as well. Wat Siribunya Maggarama on Jalan Raja Dihilir in Ipoh was similarly packed with devotees from all walks of life, with many families arriving as early as 8am, carrying flower bouquets and necessities such as rice to be donated to the temple. In PENANG, Wat Chaiya Mangalaram on Lorong Burma, Wat Buppharam on Jalan Perak, and Kek Lok Si in Air Itam were filled with visitors as early as 8am. The celebration was equally vibrant at the Malaysian Buddhist Association building on Jalan Burma, where devotees of all ages took part in religious rituals, including lighting incense and lotus-shaped candles. In PERLIS, Wesak Day was marked with great enthusiasm as thousands of devotees gathered at the Perlis Buddhist Society building in Kangar for religious ceremonies led by 28 monks. Society chairman Tan Chan Sin said a float procession would be held later in the evening to add a special touch to this year's celebration. In SARAWAK, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng were present to liven up the Wesak Day celebration at the Sarawak Buddhist Association building in Kuching. In KELANTAN, Wat Prachumthat Chanaram in Tumpat was the focal point for Buddhists from across the country, as Wesak Day was celebrated with reverence and solemnity. The temple, which has hosted annual celebrations for over 40 years, organised various religious activities including a procession of flower offerings and candlelight walks around the stupa three times, a symbolic gesture in honour of the life of Siddharta Gautama. Committee member Thom Ija, 67, said nearly 200 devotees had gathered since last night to take part in the religious rituals, which will continue until Tuesday (May 13). A visitor from Selangor, Kok, 69, said he makes the long journey each year, drawn by the temple's peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to pay tribute to the teachings of Siddharta Gautama by visiting several other temples in the area. - Bernama
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
From Brickfields to Tumpat, Wesak Day draws crowds celebrating peace, faith and Malaysia's spiritual diversity
KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 — This year's Wesak Day celebration was marked with vibrant and harmonious gatherings as Buddhist devotees filled temples nationwide to observe religious rites. In the capital, worshippers began arriving at the iconic Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields from 8am to take part in ceremonies commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The celebration also drew local visitors and foreign tourists eager to experience the occasion and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist traditions. Visitors kneel before a statue of Buddha during the Wesak Day celebration at the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur today. — Bernama pic Among them was M Rajan, 45, a Hindu, who said he attended the event to honour his Buddhist friends and learn more about their beliefs. 'Malaysia is a multicultural and multireligious country. I believe it's important for us to respect one another's faiths and celebrate together. This is one of the ways we can nurture harmony,' he told Bernama. Filipino tourist Jonathan Reyes said he visited the temple to gain a deeper appreciation of local culture and religious celebrations. 'It's nice to see how peaceful and respectful the atmosphere is. I'm not a Buddhist, but being here today has given me a greater understanding and appreciation of Malaysia's spiritual diversity,' he said. A woman says her prayers while holding incense sticks as part of Wesak Day celebrations at the Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur today. — Bernama pic In Selangor, visitors thronged the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat, one of the main destinations and top choices for thousands of Buddhists during the annual Wesak Day celebrations. Temple manager Miao Yue, 52, said an estimated 30,000 devotees visited the temple since last Saturday, carrying out religious ceremonies and tributes marking the birth, enlightenment and passing of Siddhartha Gautama. In Perak, over at the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Tambun, Bernama observed thousands of devotees queuing to light incense, scatter flower petals and perform the ceremonial bathing of Buddha statues, joined by foreign tourists eager to experience the Wesak Day celebration as well. Wat Siribunya Maggarama on Jalan Raja Dihilir in Ipoh was similarly packed with devotees from all walks of life, with many families arriving as early as 8am, carrying flower bouquets and necessities such as rice to be donated to the temple. Buddhists light up oil lamps as part of religious rites in conjunction with the Wesak Day celebrations at the Maha Vihara Temple in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur today. — Bernama pic In Penang, Wat Chaiya Mangalaram on Lorong Burma, Wat Buppharam on Jalan Perak, and Kek Lok Si in Air Itam were filled with visitors as early as 8am. The celebration was equally vibrant at the Malaysian Buddhist Association building on Jalan Burma, where devotees of all ages took part in religious rituals, including lighting incense and lotus-shaped candles. In Perlis, Wesak Day was marked with great enthusiasm as thousands of devotees gathered at the Perlis Buddhist Society building in Kangar for religious ceremonies led by 28 monks. Society chairman Tan Chan Sin said a float procession would be held later in the evening to add a special touch to this year's celebration. In Sarawak, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng were present to liven up the Wesak Day celebration at the Sarawak Buddhist Association building in Kuching. Buddhists mark the Wesak Day celebration with religious rites at the Wat Prachumthat Chanaram, Tumpat, Kelantan today. — Bernama pic In Kelantan, Wat Prachumthat Chanaram in Tumpat was the focal point for Buddhists from across the country, as Wesak Day was celebrated with reverence and solemnity. The temple, which has hosted annual celebrations for over 40 years, organised various religious activities including a procession of flower offerings and candlelight walks around the stupa three times, a symbolic gesture in honour of the life of Siddharta Gautama. Committee member Thom Ija, 67, said nearly 200 devotees had gathered since last night to take part in the religious rituals, which will continue until tomorrow. A visitor from Selangor, Kok, 69, said he makes the long journey each year, drawn by the temple's peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to pay tribute to the teachings of Siddharta Gautama by visiting several other temples in the area. — Bernama
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Sewage from Panthalkudi flows into Vaigai as STP yet to start functioning
MADURAI: Sewage continues to flow into the Vaigai river through the Panthalkudi channel as a sewage treatment plant that has been installed on the banks is yet to start functioning. With chithirai festival commencing, activists have urged the Madurai city municipal to prevent sewage flow into the river. Meanwhile, several departments have started preparatory works in the Vaigai river for the festival. The WRD department is removing invasive plants at Kalpalam and Thenur Mandapam in the Vaigai river, to facilitate free flow of water for Kallalagar entry into the river, which is scheduled on May 12. When contacted, senior officials from the WRD department said a special drive is under way to clear the invasive plants in the river especially near Kalpalam and Thennur Mandabam. Officials added that in view of the Kallalagar festival, water would be released from Vaigai dam on May 08. M Rajan of Vaigai Makkal Iyakkam, said, 'Several thousands of people would enter the river during Kallalagar;s procession. Currently, 8 MLD untreated sewage is released through the Panthalkudi canal into the river near AV Bridge. This would cause health issues to devotees. The corporation should start operating the STP or install long pipelines and release the sewage far away from where the event takes place.' Speaking to TNIE, Chitra Vijayan, city corporation commissioner, said the 2 MLD Panthalkudi STP work has been completed and the plant would be commissioned soon. This will prevent untreated sewage from entering the river, she added. To prevent water hyacinth from flowing into the bridge area, the WRD department has placed a boom near the bridge, she added. District collector M S Sangeetha along with city corporation commissioner Chitra Vijayan and other officials inspected the Kallalagar procession route from Tallakulam to Vaigai river on Wednesday.
