Kerala - Kochi   

PCB moots steps to save Periyar

KOCHI: The State Pollution Control Board has recommended that IIT Roorkee be given the task of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on the proposed Periyar Action Plan.

The proposal has been forwarded to the government for follow-up action. Chairman of the board G. Rajmohan said IIT Roorkee had the necessary expertise for drafting a DPR for the river action plan. The consultancy fee and other details would be finalised by the government, he said.

Mr. Rajmohan said the action reports would carry major recommendations for saving the river from extinction.

The detailed project report will prioritise the projects to be taken up while implementing the action plan. Studies will be conducted to examine the extent of damage caused to natural resources using maps prepared by the Land Use Board and local panchayats. Detailed studies will be conducted in select panchayats.

Hot spots will be identified with the help of panchayat-level resource maps. Water quality tests will be conducted in the river. The environmental setting of the river in various areas will also be analysed.

The board will follow the guidelines issued by the river authority and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) while formulating the Periyar action plan.

The report will also include methods for collection, conveyance and disposal of sewage and sullage generated by the local bodies along the banks of the Periyar.

The DPR will carry recommendations on various areas such as afforestation, survey of the river basin, embankment and sewage and treatment plants for protection of the river.

The report will include suggestions on improving inland navigation, prevention of salinity incursion and watershed management.

The report will also include proposals for treatment and disposal of solid waste generated in these areas. Riverbank protection would be given priority while preparing the feasibility report.

The DPR will be finalised after holding discussions with local bodies, non-governmental organisations and governmental agencies. Allocation of funds for various projects would be fixed as per the recommendations of the technical committee appointed by the State government.

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