Dredging has begun for a sand bund linking Elanthikara and Kozhithuruthu across the river system near Paravur, in an effort to prevent saltwater from moving from the Periyar into the Chalakudy River and disrupting drinking-water pumping, Mathrubhumi reported.
The dredging began on Friday ahead of the construction of the bund, which will connect the two riverbanks. The intervention follows several instances of saltwater entering the Chalakudy River during strong tides, affecting the availability of water for local pumping operations.
According to the report, lower rainfall during this year’s monsoon season contributed to conditions in which saltwater entered the river system during days of high tidal activity. The intrusion increased the salinity of the water and forced drinking-water pumping to be stopped on several days.
Residents in the affected area were subsequently required to purchase water privately. Mathrubhumi reported that households paid Rs 500 for 1,000 litres of drinking water during the disruption. The cost placed the burden of maintaining basic water access directly on residents while regular pumping was interrupted.
The report said the situation became serious enough for V.D. Satheesan to intervene and direct that drinking water be delivered urgently. It also said the Left Democratic Front organised a protest alleging that the promised water supply was not reaching residents. The report does not provide details of the volume of water delivered, the number of households affected or the total cost of the emergency response.
Saltwater intrusion is currently less severe because tidal strength has weakened, according to the report. As a result, drinking-water pumping is taking place at night. The timing allows pumping to continue while the immediate salinity conditions are less disruptive, although the report does not state whether the arrangement will continue after tidal conditions change.
The sand bund is intended to provide a physical barrier between the Elanthikara and Kozhithuruthu banks and limit the movement of saline water through the connected river channels. Its construction also reflects the dependence of local drinking-water systems on river conditions that can change with rainfall and tides.
The immediate work now underway is the dredging required before the bund is built. The report does not specify the length, height, construction cost or expected completion date of the bund. It also does not state whether the structure will be monitored for environmental effects or how authorities will respond if saltwater intrusion returns before construction is completed.
