NW project yet to get approval

Kozhikode: Environmentalists demand an impact study on National Waterways projects claiming it would devastate the ecosystem.

The irrigation authorities plan to make the Canoly Canal between Eranhikkal and Kallayi of 11.2 km navigable at an estimated cost of Rs 1100 crore.

They claim that the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) stipulates a 32-metre wide waterway as against its current width of 14 metres which does not meet its standards.

The irrigation department's report says the revenue from the canal would be manifold once the waterway becomes navigable offering a much safer and energy efficient route for cargo movements.

According to a study conducted by the irrigation department, in 2016, only 200 boats sailed through the canal which would be 4,000 in 2020, and by 2025, it would reach 10,000.

The freight transport handled by the canal would be 46,00,000 tonne by 2025. But activists term this as an inflated data.

Activist T.V. Rajan said the state government was on with the project without conducting a proper environmental impact study.  

“The IWAI in its reply to a letter of Kerala Naditheera Samrakshana Samithy admits it,” he told DC.

"More it would displace over 530 houses and 110 shops, which will increase if the width is 36 metres."

Meanwhile, the action council of anti-waterway campaigners has decided to conduct a survey from Puthenvelikkara near Mala from where its northern stretch begins up to Mahe.

The survey will begin on July 31 and end before August 15.