Dangerous levels of contamination have been found in the waters of the Killi river, the samples of which were subjected to quality and microbiological analysis by the Kerala Vikasana Samithi.
The water samples tested at the laboratory of the Department of Environmental Sciences, of the University of Kerala, had found the presence of E.coli, Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi bacteria, indicating faecal contamination of high levels, the Samithi leaders said at a press conference here on Thursday.
The Samithi representatives had visited the river and all adjoining localities following a complaint by the residents that the pollution of the river was causing several health problems among the population. The Samithi leaders said that they had seen for themselves, water from the sewers being opened out directly into the river.
The water samples they had collected from the river and tested also had very low levels of oxygen, indicating that no life forms could survive in such waters.
On the basis of the report, the Kerala Vikasana Samithi has decided to launch a popular agitation, organising all residents on the banks of the river, to pressurise authorities into taking immediate steps to prevent the pollution of the river.
The study report has been brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and the other Ministers concerned. The Samithi will also organise massive awareness campaigns among the local residents on protecting the river and preventing its pollution.
