Steps on for Olippuzha revival

MALAPPURAM: The district administration has joined hands with Karuvarakkundu Panchayath and other voluntary organisations for the revival of Olippuzha, the major water source of the panchayath. A collective consisting the panchayath, schools and voluntary groups besides district administration has been formed to supervise the project for the revival and beautification the nine kilometer stretch of Olippuzha which is a tributary of Kadalundi river. A meeting presided by collector Amit Meena has also appointed a three-member special survey team to find out the illegal encroachments on both sides of the river.

"The 40-50 meter wide river has now shrunk to 7-15 meter due to the large scale encroachments along the nine kilometer stretch over the past two decades. Our plan is to revive the river's natural flow by maintaining at least 25 meter width in order to ensure water availability for the several water distribution projects in the river. Five check dams in the river will also be restored," says V. Ummer Koya, convener of the Olippuzha Revival Committee.

According to the plan, the 18 kilometer river bank will be converted into Bio Park and cultivable land area. Various local saplings including mango and jackfruit plants will be planted along the bank. These works will be completed under the Haritha Keralam project of the government. "Schools have agreed to set up bio parks in their respective areas of the riverside. 10 acres of land will also be used for paddy cultivation," Koya said. "Solid and bio waste management is also major part of the project. The river was being used as a dumping place by the residents over the years. To stop these waste disposal units will also be set up."