KOCHI: Major freshwater bodies in Kochi are getting heavily polluted thanks to the dumping of urban waste into these water resources. Mounting garbage in the Corporation areas has added to the problems with canals and lakes becoming a safe place for disposal of solid waste.

A study conducted by the Cochin University of Science and Technology warned that increasing human interference was one of the main reasons for pollution of freshwater sources in the region. Experts, who conducted the study found that Mullassery canal, Thevara canal, Perandoor canal, Karanakkodam thodu, Koithara thodu, Edappally thodu, Poorni puzha, Changadampok thodu, Kharee thodu, and Puncha thodu were polluted by urban waste.

Rapid encroachment and increasing incidents of pollution had also affected the natural ecology of Chitrapuzha and Kadamprayar, according to the study.

The study recommended that a system should be developed to collect and compost waste from slaughterhouse and fish market. Experts found that local water resources would have to be developed in tune with the upland development of Greater Kochi Region. They pointed out that authorities should evolve guidelines and regulations for conservation of freshwater marshes.

The study suggested that land management and on-site waste disposal should be initiated to conserve canals in Kochi.

A proposal for evolving a management plan for restoration of freshwater sources is gathering dust for want of support from Kochi Corporation and Greater Cochin Development Authority.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail