Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is planning to install five automatic ambient air quality monitoring stations at different locations in the city to keep a strict tab on pollution. Equipped with digital display, the stations are proposed to be set up at Thampanoor, Palayam, East Fort, Ulloor and Vellayambalam.

The project is one of the components of the City Development Plan (CDP) submitted to the Union Government for assistance under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The monitoring stations, costing Rs.90 lakh each, will be hooked up to a central facility. The project report has recommended a control room in the City Police Commissioner's office to receive the information.

The data on pollution will be used as a crucial input for preventive measures such as diversion of traffic and decongestion of crowded commercial areas. The information can be utilised for the effective enforcement of automobile emission rules.

Alternative fuel

The corporation will simultaneously take up a detailed study on the feasibility of replacing diesel with CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) as automobile fuel to bring down the emission of smoke or particulate matter. The study is expected to cost Rs.50 lakh.

The drive against pollution also involves improvement of road conditions and timely removal of construction waste and debris from public places.

The CDP recommends a series of measures to minimise water pollution. Side protection and strengthening the banks of the Parvathy Puthanar canal is a major component. The portions of the canal from Kovalam to Panathura, Moonnattumukku to SM lock and Vazhavila to Akkulam are to be fenced to prevent people from dumping solid waste into the water. The sewerage connections to the canal will be cut off and all houses in the neighbourhood provided with independent sanitation facilities at a cost of Rs.200 lakh.

A sum of Rs.50 lakh has been proposed for planting trees along the banks of the canal and the roads nearby. The selection of species will be based on the location and environment. The maintenance and upkeep of the trees are to be entrusted to a professional agency.

Water pollution

Another major proposal to reduce water pollution is to procure dry retting machines for coir cooperative societies. Large parts of the canal are polluted by the conventional method of coir retting, which involves leaving of coconut husks in water for extended periods. A sum of Rs.200 lakh has been proposed for the procurement of dry retting machines.

The CDP highlights the need to have a proper disaster management strategy in place to minimise the impact of calamities. Shelter belts are to be constructed as complementary structures along the coast to prevent erosion. The present practice of sea wall construction is to be supplemented with the plantation of mangroves, and other suitable vegetation.

It also recommends an alternative method using artificial offshore reefs to prevent sea erosion. Made of large sand-filled geotextile bags, the reefs absorb the impact of the waves so that the beach is protected. They also provide a habitat for fish and act as breeding centres. Designed to support water sports and surfing, the reefs help promote tourism. The corporation will take up a detailed study using consultancy services to assess the feasibility of setting up artificial reefs at tourist locations.

The document also highlights other disaster management proposals such as provision of fire hydrants in the congested areas of the city.

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