KOZHIKODE: The State Literacy Mission is planning to launch a massive awareness programme in Kozhikode district against environmental destruction as the survey it conducted recently in the district has come up with startling revelations. The survey conducted among 1,000 households at the panchayat level last month listed sand mining, water contamination, waste dumping and plastic usage as the main contributors to pollution. Most residents pointed out that the usage of plastic and its improper disposal made the environment difficult to live in.
The survey also highlighted the role of illegal quarrying in the hilly terrains of Kozhikode as one among the other major reasons for environmental destruction. Kariyanimala, Kolathur, Chengottukunnumal, Charalottupara, Chathottipara are among the spots identified as major spots for illegal quarrying. Water in rivers, including Chaliyar, haven depressingly polluted the survey pointed out. Chaliyar, an important water source of the district, has been noted as a spot where the slaughter wastes are been widely dumped.
The Mission will soon prepare an action plan to create awareness among the public against the wide usage of plastic and will kickstart various initiatives with the help of the state government to completely stop the usage of plastic. The study, which was the brainchild of education minister C. Raveendranath, was conducted as part of an ambitious programme of the Mission to spread environment literacy in the state.
The study has become relevant at a time when the environment is destructed in various forms, said environmentalist Shobindran Master. “It will help inculcate basic awareness among the public on the need to conserve environment. Similar survey has also been initiated in other districts, of which the results are too shocking as the public themselves reveal various forms of destruction of the environment.”
