Ecological report on Manakkamala reveals damage
Quarries killed water level.
KOCHI: An expert study report on the ecological impact of razing Manakkamala, the vast hillocks spread across 40 acres near Mulanthuruthy, indicates a significant decline in the groundwater level in nearby areas. The report prepared by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management revealed that groundwater level had depleted by 2.5 metres in the last three years.
Incidentally, in October last year, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had stayed quarrying at the hillocks, after the people’s action council - Manakkamala Samrakshana Janakeeya Samithi - approached NGT against quarrying of red earth citing serious ecological impact. According to the report, released by district panchayat president Asha Sanil on Saturday, the hillock helped in conserving a huge quantity of water and was the backbone of the area’s ecological system with paddy fields and wetlands. “Destruction of Manakkamala will have serious ecological impact as 85 per cent of the local residents confirm that water level in their wells is highly dependent on the hillock,” said P.A. Thankachan of Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishat.
More than 30 people’s organisations have rallied under the Manakkamala Samrakshana Janakeeya Samithi demanding conservation of the hillocks. Excavation of red earth from Manakkamala started two years ago after the quarry mafia secured permits for removing red earth. The Environment Impact Assessment Authority gave two environmental clearances for quarrying. The Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishat and green groups have demanded cancellation of the ECs and sought a comprehensive legislation for conservation of hillocks in the state.