KANNUR: In a decisive intervention that seeks to end the disaffection of the people around the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala, the Southern Navy chief on Tuesday directed the authorities of the prestigious institution to take immediate steps and source the best technology to make the controversial sewage treatment plant state-of-of the-art in the least possible time. Vice-Admiral A.R. Karve who was at INA as part of his annual inspection visit, inspected the plant along with INA commandant Vice-Admiral S.V Bhokare. He is understood to have expressed concern over the complaints of the people of Ramanthali village who have been on a protest since January this year alleging that the unscientific and ageing STP has resulted in water contamination in the nearby water sources as well as foul smell in the area.
Vice-Admiral Karve’s direction came after the INA officials apprised him of the decision to form an expert committee on the direction of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to address the issue. The INA has already appointed a professional consultant, recognised by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, to conduct a complete and thorough audit of the whole sewage treatment system at the INA.
While the government agencies which conducted examination in the area found no proof that the STP was responsible for the water contamination in the area, the local residents stood by their stand pointing out that they had to source water from outside for their domestic use. A reconciliation meeting called by the Chief Minister on March 30 had decided to form an expert committee which is expected to submit its report by April-end. During the protest, the Navy also filed complaints to the district collector and the district police chief, alleging six of its officers were physically assaulted by the protesters in separate incidents.
