Rivers play an important role in moulding the civilisation of a region. River Kallai in Kozhikode district is no exception and has an extensive history with its links with the foreign trade in the timber industry. Originating from Cherukulathur village in the district, Kallai flows through Kovur, Olavanna, Mankavu, Kallai, Pallikkandi and Kothi before meeting the Arabian Sea.
Growth of timber industry
All of 23 kilometers, the river once supported the growth of timber markets and sawmills in the region. As the saline water of the river provided extra strength to the timber, logs from different regions of the State were left to season in Kallai for several weeks or even months together. Hence, numerous timber mills dotted the banks and massive cranes lifting the logs were a familiar spectacle. Being the most prominent navigable waterway during the reign of Zamorins, Kallai was mainly used for transporting timber, hill produces and spices from Nilambur forest to the commercial port of Kozhikode.
Scenic location
An iron bridge built by the British across the river is a prime attraction. Vast stretches of mangroves flank the banks of the river which add to its visual splendour. Flocks of birds, both migrato ry and indigenous, resting in the man birds, both migratory and indigenous, resting in the mangroves and on the floating timber are a common sight in Kallai. Songs that talk of the splendor of the river such as 'Kallayikadavathu Kattonnummindilla' have immortalised Kallai.
Kallai was considered the perfect location to shoot the romantic film sequences and many hit Malayalam movies have been shot here. It also finds mention in numerous books and poems. Rafts and country boats used for transporting goods through the river and the traditional fishing boats are a common sight in some areas along the river.
Struggling for survival
As the timber industry faded and sawmills shut down, the land along the river banks were encroached. The main reason for floods in Kozhikode city during monsoons is due to these encroachments. Waste disposed from butcheries in the area and household garbage are dumped into the river.
The filth accumulated over the years has ruined the serene eco-system of the river. The natural flow of water has also slowed down on account of silting. The acute pollution has decimated aquatic life in the river.
The writer is a faculty at School of Tourism Studies in Mahatma Gandhi University.
Need of the hour:
In 1996, Kallai Puzha Samrakshana Samithi (KPSS) was formed by a few youngsters for the protection of Kallai River. KPSS organised widespread campaigns by involving school students of the region to create awareness about the negative effects of encroachments on the river banks.
The Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) was also actively involved in the preparation of the environmental action plan to save the river.
A detailed mapping of the existing mangrove forest cover, names of migratory birds spotted and marine species found in the river, and the social and cultural life of the people on its banks should be documented.
The river, being an integral part of the Kottuli wetland system which is rich in bio diversity, needs to be restored at any cost. Authorities should take serious action in order to revive the lost charms of the river by implementing responsible tourism initiatives.
