Row over bid to move Kerala Pollution Control Board official

Kochi: Protest is mounting against the Pollution Control Board’s move to transfer M.P Thrideep Kumar, environmental engineer at the environmental surveillance centre, Eloor, and a committed official who took a strong stand against polluting industrial units. Various green groups and environmental activists have demanded that PCB withdraw the plan to transfer the official. They have also sought the state government’s intervention in the matter.

“When the LDF government has proclaimed its strong stand against corruption, why is a committed official who recommended action against polluting industrial units in Eloor and Edayar being transferred without any reason? It is a clear case of an unholy nexus between PCB and erring industrialists,” said Purushan Eloor, research coordinator of Periyar Maineekarana Virudha Samithi. Based on the environmental activists’ demand, P.T Thomas MLA and V.D Satheesan MLA have demanded the immediate intervention of the chief minister. But, PCB chairman K. Sajeevan told DC that there were no plans to transfer the official.

“The Board has no vested interests in transferring him. But, if the official wants to move, it will be granted,” he said. Recently, during the 10-day fact-finding visit of the Central Pollution Control Board delegation to the Eloor – Edayar industrial stretch, Thrideep Kumar had given all necessary vital information to the members with regard to effluent discharge from industrial units, recurring fish deaths, discolouration of the river and serious ecological degradation occurring in Periyar, the lifeline of Kerala. “Actions by the State PCB were insufficient which is why the National Green Tribunal instructed the Central PCB to look into it,” said Thrideep Kumar.