KOCHI: Colour of the water in Periyar River near the new bund under construction in Patalam turned red for several hours on Thursday. The change was suspected to be caused by discharging of chemical wastes into it, say activists.
According to G.D. Martin of Cochin University of Science and Technology, this is the ninth time this month the colour of the water turned red in the river, the main source of drinking water for people in Ernakulam and Aluva.
Activists say the red water flow noticed in the early morning continued till the afternoon. The water changed colour on Wednesday and even Kerala pollution control board officials reported the incident, they said.
Despite the recurring events of colour change, the authorities concerned have not taken any remedial measures. Hundreds of people held a protest in the area against the apathy of the authorities.
Following the protest, Eloor municipal chairperson and councilors visited the affected areas and reviewed the situation. According to green activists, this year so far 50 incidents of water changing colour was reported compared with 23 in the previous year.
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