Though the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has started pumping water from the Chaliyar and Iruvazhinji rivers in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts after the blue-green algae scare, the locals are still sceptical about the water quality, which has stopped many from using it for their day-to-day activities.
However, environmental organisations have claimed that the fear has been manufactured by the sand mafia with ulterior motives. The Iruvanji Samrakshana Samiti has already launched a month-long campaign to encourage people to use water from the river.
Water levels
The Chaliyar regulator-cum-bridge situated at Cherupa has played a major role in ensuring good water level in Chaliyar and its tributaries as well as in the wells and other water sources nearby. The Iruvanji Samrakshana Samiti claims that the algae scare is a tactic used by the sand mafia to force the authorities to open the shutters of the regulator.
“With such high water levels, it is difficult for sand miners to excavate sand from the rivers. If the shutters are opened, the water level will come down and it will benefit them,” says O.C. Mohammed, the secretary of the samithi. He adds that the sand mafia has been employing a number of tactics including opening the shutters at night, influencing officials in charge and even damaging the shutters, for a long time and the samiti has been fighting them for as long.
It was in early march that the blue-green algae was detected in some parts of the Chaliyar and the Iruvazhinji. The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) had conducted studies and had suggested that the water should not be used for drinking purposes without treating. It had pointed out that the algae could cause itching if it comes in to contact with the human body.
“The officials will be forced to open the shutter to clear the waters because of the algae. But it would lead to severe water shortage in Malappuram and Kozhikode districts besides agricultural loss due to drought,” says Mr. Mohammed.
Spreading awareness
The samithi has been organising awareness campaigns along the rivers since April 18, urging the people to use the water for bathing and washing clothes.
Migrant labourers and others have been using the river despite the scare and no untoward incidents have been reported, adds Mr. Mohammed.
