Aluva, Periyar challenges to open-defecation free campaign

KOCHI: Environmentalists say that even though the district administration has made moves to make Ernakulam open-defecation free in two weeks, Aluva remains a challenge because the Periyar is seriously polluted. They say that the e-coli content in water which was taken from near the intake points of the drinking water supplied to Kochi showed a stunning increase, much above permissible limits. “E-coli should not be seen in drinking water. However, 100 mpn (most probable number) is the limit allowed in ordinary water sources. What was seen in the water collected from the Periyar was 2,000-5,000 mpn,” said Prof S Seetharaman, president of the All Kerala River Protection Council.

Prof Seetharaman said that open defecation continued at least in four points close to the Periyar. These are below the Marthanda Varma bridge and Mangalapuzha bridge, on the Sivarathri Manalpuram and near the Aluva Fish Market. “When it rains as is happening these days, human waste seeps into the river contaminating it. Migrant labours are major contributors to this,” said Prof Seetharaman. He said that his efforts to prevent it during pleas to the District Health Officer in the office of the District Medical Officer had fallen on deaf ears.

“Also of concern is that open defecation is happening on the sides of the railway tracks. If the Ernakulam District Administration wants to make a meaningful open defecation-free campaign, then these spots in Aluva have to be freed from it. Otherwise it will be only an eye-wash. I hope the new District Collector Muhammed Y Safirulla will pay attention to it so that he makes a good start in the campaign for serving the environment and the people in the region,” Prof Seetharaman said.