The Pathalam regulator-cum-bridge at Eloor, where the colour change of the Periyar has been reported over the past two days, witnessed an altercation on Tuesday morning between officials of the Pollution Control Board and local activists.
With the colour of the water in this stretch of the Periyar showing no improvement on the morning of January 8, residents and activists reported the matter to the PCB and requested that samples be taken immediately.
Altercation
However, they not only came nearly two hours late but also sampled water only from a non-turbid portion of the river, claim local activists.
The activists, around 10 in number, prevented a PCB official, an assistant engineer, from leaving without sampling the water in the turbid zone. An argument ensued.
Sample taken
The Eloor police were present at the scene. A crowd of residents and passers-by gathered at the spot.
Later, the official left after collecting samples from the turbid zone as well.
Local activist Maheshkumar V.B. claimed that the residents would file an RTI if the results of the sample tests are not received soon.
