Bank vows to save dying Chittar

Thiruvananthapuram: A cooperative bank has come up with a unique initiative to rejuvenate Chittar, a dying river. A tributary of Neyyar, originating from Kurishumala and joining Neyyar at Aruvipuram,  Chittar was  fading into oblivion due to encroachment. The Marayamuttom Service Cooperative Bank together with  the Chittar Samrakshana Samithi   has organised a mela to create awareness on river protection.

Mr  Vinod Sen,  one of the organisers of the mela, told Deccan Chronicle that the mela being held at Chittattinkara in Perungadavilla panchayat  on the banks of Chittar,  was an eco-friendly initiative. Bamboo and other natural resources were mostly used for constructions. The event,  inaugurated by former KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran on August 30, will conclude on  September 12.

The Chittar river would have died  in ten years if steps were not taken to protect it from encroachment.   After the mela, the samithi will organise other activities to prevent the encroachment on the river.  “Awareness programmes formed the core of the conservation plan,” Mr Sen said. The programmes include  a medical exhibition, flower show, water show, laser show and photo exhibitions.

An amusement park and a boat are other attractions.  A video on the post-mortem examination is shown at the medical exhibition  conducted by the Dr Sommervell Memorial CSI Medical College, Karakonam. The adivasi urru developed by the adivasis of Kottoor and  the houses built of bamboo and reed, straw, coconut leaves and other natural materials are bound to attract the visitors’ attention, Mr Sen said.