Kochi: Despite green initiatives at Sabarimala in the previous years, the pollution level at Pampa and Sannidhanam has only increased manifold, forcing the Pollution Control Board (PCB) to convene a meeting of the high power committee to form an action plan. “We’ve analysed the situation thoroughly today. The scenario calls for drastic measures at short notice so as to cut pollution level and ensure quality drinking water. A meeting of the High Power Committee has been convened on October five,” said PCB Chairman K Sajeevan.
The High Power Committee for implementation of the Sabarimala Masterplan (HPC) includes Additional Chief Secretary, top officials of the Travancore Devaswom Board, Forest Department, Kerala State Electricity Board, Pollution Control Board and representatives of the IL&FS – Ecosmart, the agency which prepared the Master Plan. According to the PCB report, the presence of E-Coli bacteria at Pampa river in January this year was 75, 000 MPN / 100 ml of water as against 8000 MPN/ 100 ml the previous year (see table below).
“Fecal coliforms and E coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. As the pilgrim season reaches its crest, the quality of holy river Pampa drops manifold. The norm is that if the E coli presence is above 2500 MPN/ 100 ml, it’s not fit for drinking,” said N K Sukumaran Nair, General Secretary, Pampa Parirakshana Samiti, a voluntary NGO to save river Pampa.
Pampa Parirakshana Samiti demanded immediate implementation of the Pampa action plan after reframing the projects and setting up of an Environment Management Committee to effectively co-ordinate conservation activities. “We also asked the Travancore Devaswom Board to make transparent the expenses and funding of various waste removal initiatives carried out at the abode of Lord Ayyappa,” he said.
