KOLLAM: Irrigation minister K. Krishnankutty will inaugurate the rejuvenation works of two major water sources in the district as part of Haritha Keralam Mission’s second anniversary on Saturday. Kallada River, spanning across some 121 kilometers and its tributaries, and the 15-kilometer long Pandivayal thodu will be restored as part of the project.
The rejuvenation works of Pandivayal thodu will be held at Kottarakkara in a function presided over by P. Ayisha Potti, MLA, while that of Kallada River will be held at Elikkattoor in Piravanthoor panchayat in a function presided over by K.B. Ganeshkumar MLA.
According to the project plan, the waste deposits will be removed from the course of the river with public participation.
The plastic waste will be handed over to shredding units. The protective walls along the banks will be reconstructed using mud and coir geotextile. Bamboo and mangroves will also be planted along the banks to prevent further erosion of soil.
MGNREGA workers, voluntary organisations, clubs, political organisations, NSS, and NCC volunteers will coordinate the rejuvenation works. The conservation works of Kallada River will be held in Punalur, Path-anapuram, Vettikkavala, and Sasthamkotta areas, said S. Isaac Harita Keralam district coordinator.
The rejuvenation of Kall-ada River will also boost the '313.35 cr ‘Njankadavu’ drinking water project that sources water from Kallada River and serve as an alternative to the water from Sasthamkotta Lake apparently easing the burden on the Lake.
Some 4.35 residents from Kollam Corporation and Kottankara panchayat will benefit from the project expected to be commissioned by 2020.
