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Sandbanks hindering normal flow of Pampa

Deposit of fine sand on the Pampa riverbed at Pampa-Triveni in the foothills of Sabarimala.

PATHANAMTHITTA: River Pampa in the foothills of Sabarimala has almost turned dry in the summer heat, turning the once perennial water source into a small patch of stagnant water.

Heavy deposits of fine sand at the Pampa-Triveni following the opening of the Kakki-Anathode twin reservoirs of the Sabarigiri hydro-electric project in October, 2007 has blocked the free flow of water during the lean season of summer, said experts.

The Pampa-Triveni, where the two small rivulets Kullar and Kallar empty into the Pampa, now has heavy deposits of sand.

The river carried the sand that was deposited in the bottom of the Sabarigiri reservoirs over 15 years during the floods of October last, leaving sandbanks in the downstream reaches.

Sources attachéd to the Works Department of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) said there would not be smooth flow of water in the Pampa during the lean season unless the sand banks at Pampa-Triveni and downstream were removed.

With the annual 10-day festival approaching, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) would have to release water

from its Kullar dam, at least to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Arattu ceremony in Pampa on March 21.

TDB officials said the water released from Kullar dam was unlikely to reach the Pampa bathing ghats, as the sand banks would block the normal flow.

The sandbanks at Pampa-Triveni should be removed to ensure the normal flow of water released from the KSEB dams during the festival period.

Pampa Parirakshana Samiti (PPS) general secretary N.K. Sukumaran Nair has stressed the need to implement the Swami Saranam project to resolve water scarcity in the Pampa.

Mr. Nair said the Swami Saranam project had been included in the proposed Pampa Action Plan, as it was aimed at flushing out filth from the Pampa in the foothills of Sabarimala , by periodically releasing water into the river course during the lean season.

The PPS leader said it was practically difficult to release water from the KSEB dams every year as it would cost the power generation sector dear.

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