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More checkdams across Periyar planned

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM JAN. 31. The Government proposed to construct more checkdams across Periyar with a view to storing water for the lean season, the Irrigation Minister, T. M. Jacob, told the Assembly today.

Responding to a calling-attention motion by K. Mohammedali (Cong.), the Minister said the Government was also examining a proposal for constructing a permanent bund at Purappallikkadavu close to the Eloor industrial belt to prevent salt influx.

Mr. Jacob pointed out that the construction of a temporary bund had proved to be difficult this year owing to sand scarcity. In the end, sand had to be brought from outside to construct the bund. This could not be allowed to continue and the only option before the Government was to construct more checkdams, he added.

Earlier, Mr. Mohammedali took strong exception to all moves to cut the free flow of water through Periyar and said most of the proposals, including those for industrial exploitation of water in the river, would cause irreparable damage to the river and the surrounding areas.

Mr. Jacob said it could not be argued that new schemes should not be thought of. Water from Periyar would have to be used for new schemes.

Pollution in the river was mostly due to the dumping of garbage and other urban waste into the river. People should become aware of the ill-effects of their action if this problem was to be solved, he pointed out.

Responding to another calling-attention motion by T. K. Balan (CPI-M), the Industries Minister, P. K. Kunhalikutty, said the Government had submitted to the Centre a proposal to set up an apparel park costing Rs. 40 crores under the Textile Centre Infrastructure Project. The State, he said, was hopeful of getting clearance for the project.

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