A year after the Konothupuzha was cleaned up from Poothotta to Kaniyaravally, Puthiyakavu, the movement that saw local people taking the lead, is back with a jalotsavam (regatta) this year too.
Organisers of the event are also considering extending the river cleaning project up to Irumpanam, 17 km from Poothotta.
“The river is the lifeline of the area,” said organising committee chairman
T. Raghuvaran at a press meet here on Tuesday. Hence, it was important that part of the river that was cleaned up last year was conserved with a jalotsavam every year.
People’s participation
The movement, initiated by the Communist Party of India, was taken up by the people enthusiastically, and it culminated in the jalotsavam last year. The festival will continue every year if the local people come forward to protect the river. The jalotsavam is expected to bring people to the river, and that is expect to keep the river free from pollution.
This year, the jalotsavam will be held on August 28 from the river bank at St. John’s Public School, South Paravur. Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan will inaugurate the event at 2 p.m. Deputy Speaker V. Sasi will give away the prizes.
Iruttukuthi Vallam , a category of country boats considered prominent in boat races, and tableaux will be part of the event.
