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Revival of Periyar yet to be taken up

Staff Reporter

Effluent discharge and solid-waste dumping need to be stopped Effluent discharge, dumping of waste should end

KOCHI: Restoration of the Periyar, affected by indiscriminate pollution, is pending for want of support from the authorities concerned.

A plan for revival and restoration of the river, mooted by the Local Area Environment Committee, is in cold storage, with the authorities finding it difficult to go ahead with the implementation of the proposals.

In its plan of action submitted to the State Pollution Control Board, the committee has suggested that no effluent discharge and solid-waste dumping from industrial units in Eloor and Edayar are a pre-condition for the revival of the river.

River monitoring centre

The plan has recommended establishment of a Periyar revival and protection fund, besides setting up an independent river monitoring and protection centre at Eloor with active participation of various stakeholders.

The action plan has suggested a detailed baseline study to assess quality of the river ecosystem. Studies have to be conducted to analyse the extent of chemical contamination.

A survey of river basin has to be conducted to find sewage outlet points.

The plan of action has also included a proposal for consistent monitoring of ambient water quality. Scientists at the Cochin University of Science and Technology have proposed that the authorities restore the fish habitat in the river.

In its report submitted to the Board and Supreme Court Monitoring Committee on Hazardous Wastes, the environment committee has suggested implementation of a community-response based certification system for industrial units in Eloor and Edayar.

Afforestation programme

The catchment areas of the Periyar need afforestation to maintain summer flow in the river and increase the flow throughout the year.

Trees and riverine vegetation also needs to be increased with afforestation programmes along the riverbank.

Stonewall banks should be avoided and replaced with natural vegetation, according to the plan of action.

The action plan has suggested establishing an independent Periyar River Monitoring and Protection Centre at Eloor. Participation of residents, fishermen and farmers for monitoring the river is another recommendation included in the action plan.

Greens in Ernakulam district hope that rehabilitation of the Periyar may get a boost with the formation of the Left Democratic Front Government.

Representatives of environmental and social groups in the district have plans to meet Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and Minister for Environment to press their demands.

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