KOCHI: Emergency cleaning works will be carried out to save Muttar River, a major tributary of River Periyar, and the drinking water source of thousands of people. Additional district magistrate C.K Prakash directed that a special fund be created to clean the river using the monthly remittance made to the government by industrial units and other commercial firms. The industrial units pay '25 lakh every month to draw water from the river. A suitable proposal will be submitted to the state government.
The river is the major water source of residents of Aluva, Choornikkara, Kalamassery, Kadungaloor, Alangad, Cheranalloor, Varapuzha and parts of Kochi Corporation. During a meeting convened by the ADM on Thursday, it was decided to serve notice, through the Pollution Control Board, to the institutions illegally dumping waste in the river and to request release of water from Bhuthathankettu dam once in 10 days to reduce the salinity level and to remove weeds.
More than six kilometres stretch of the river from Kalamassery to Manjummal Bridge is filled with weeds and water hyacinths. It was also decided to chalk out a project for de-silting and deepening the river. To prevent leachate from the waste dumping yard of Kalamassery municipality entering the river, a compound wall will be constructed along the rear of the yard. Police patrolling along the river bank will be stepped up to prevent waste dumping and cleaning of vehicles in the river. The meeting was convened based on complaints against pollution and increasing salinity level of the river.
