The Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samithi (PMVS) and Janjagratha Samithi have jointly submitted a memorandum to the state environment secretary, urging the creation of surveillance roads and dykes along both banks of the Periyar River. Following a significant fish kill incident recently reported in the Periyar, the environmental groups have raised concerns about inadequate monitoring of industrial discharge points. They highlighted that while the government has proposed a survey for surveillance roads in industrial areas, the coverage currently stops short at the Pathalam regulator cum bridge, leaving several industries outside the scrutiny zone.
The PMVS and Janjagratha Samithi have specifically called for the construction of motorable surveillance roads along the Periyar’s banks in the Edayar industrial area, extending from the downstream of Pathalam PWD bridge to the Edayar-Eloor Ferry Road adjacent to M/s Edayar Zinc Ltd. Additionally, they propose another surveillance road from the downstream of Pathalam RCB to the road leading to Eloor North Juma Masjid, along the northern boundary of M/s IREL.To bolster riverbank protection, the memorandum recommends the installation of a subsurface dyke with a minimum height of 3 meters on the landward side of the proposed surveillance roads. This measure aims to prevent pollutants from entering the river and safeguard its ecosystem.
Furthermore, the environmentalists urge the state to mandate that all industries discharging into the Periyar maintain outlets at least 1 meter above the river’s water level. They propose the integration of flow meters and 360-degree real-time cameras, connected to the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with public access, to monitor discharge activities effectively.The memorandum also calls upon the Departments of Industries and Irrigation to clear riverbank areas around industries of bushes and wild growth. This clearance would facilitate easier access for sampling and surveillance purposes, ensuring prompt action against any environmental violations.The initiative underscores the critical need for proactive measures to protect the Periyar River, emphasizing the balance between industrial development and environmental sustainability in the region.This approach not only aligns with ecological conservation goals but also aims to enhance transparency and accountability in industrial operations affecting Kerala’s vital water resources.
