The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) is carrying out a pilot project on ensuring the protection and improving the water quality of the Iruvanjhipuzha, one of the major tributaries of the Chaliyar in the district. The project is being taken up with the help of local bodies, educational institutions, socio-cultural organisations and environmental forums, said Madhavan Komath, principal coordinator of the project.
The Iruvanjhipuzha originates from the foothills of Vellarimala, part of Western Ghats, and flows through six panchayats – Kodanchery,Thiruvambady, Chathamangalam, Mukkom, Karassery and Kodiyathur – before joining the Chaliyar at Koolimadu.
“The active participation of all these panchayats is vital for the success of the project,” Dr. Komath said.
Aimed at preventing soil erosion on the banks, bamboo saplings will be planted at select areas in the initial phase of the project. According to him, they will act as a bio-fencing for the river. The planting has already been inaugurated at Chennamangalur on the banks of the river.
Recently, a preliminary study conducted by the CWRDM indicated that the quality of the river water had deteriorated significantly. The width of the river has reduced considerably at various locations because of encroachments.
A number of drinking water schemes are located on both sides of the 30 km-long river. Silting, accumulation of sludge, encroachment and dumping of garbage were slowly killing the river.
Among other things, the project aims to closely study the river so as to improve its environmental quality and introduce better sanitation techniques in selected locations. It envisages monitoring the water quality status of the river during various phases of eco-restoration and to come out with concrete action-plans for the restoration after discussing with various stakeholders,
A stakeholder workshop will be conducted with elected representatives of the panchayats, NGOs and officials from various departments as part of its effective implementation. Based on the feedback received from the stakeholders, the action plans will be finalised, Dr. Komath said.
