Greens focus on rectifying Kuzhikandam creek
A comprehensive remediation project worth more than Rs 75 crore was also proposed.
KOCHI: Green activists stepped up their demand to remediate the highly polluted Kuzhikandam creek even as the six-member Central Pollution Control Board team begins to inspect industrial units along River Periyar on Tuesday. Since the 2-km long creek passes through the backyard of several houses, it poses more threat than the river, they pointed out.
“The creek which originates from the compound of Hindustan Insecticides Limited and few other industrial units, joins Periyar at Varapuzha and is full of hazardous organochloride pollutants. Studies conducted by various agencies including Greenpeace International indicated high level of pollution in the creek,” said Jacob Lazar of Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samiti.
During monsoon and high tide, water from the creek enters many houses creating health hazard. Pollution in the creek also contaminates fishes in the prawn farms at Kadamakkudy and other nearby areas downstream. “Local residents never buy fish from such farms as they are aware it is contaminated. When boiling fishes, a pungent smell of pesticides emanates. Even now, if a frog is drops into the creek, it dies immediately,” claimed Sakeer Hussain, a green activist.
In 2009, as per the instructions of CPCB, a German technical cooperation agency GTZ, collected and analysed samples from the creek and adjoining areas. It indicated that the entire area is highly polluted. A comprehensive remediation project worth more than Rs 75 crore was also proposed. However, it failed to materialise.
“As the creek is full of toxins and chemicals, the remediation will be a huge task involving complete removal of sediments and also its rejuvenation,” added Jacob Lazar. In September, the National Green Tribunal southern Bench had warned HIL against discharging treated effluents through Kuzhikandam creek and shift the outlets elsewhere. Two green groups Green Action Force and Janajagrutha have filed a petition with the NGT seeking measures for zero effluent discharge from industrial units.