KOCHI: Even as various groups of organisations launched protests on the World Water Day against the pollution of Periyar, there is no let-up in the recurring incidents of fishkill and the pollution level in the river. On Thursday and Friday morning, hundreds of fishes died with the discolouration of the river near Pathalam regulator-cum bridge. The fishes died soon after the shutters of the regulator were lifted by the irrigation department officials. The Edayar stretch of the river turned white following which the local residents and green activists asked the authorities to close the shutters.
The Pollution Control Board officials have collected the samples of water from the area near the bridge. Several migrant labourers were seen collecting the dead fishes like pearl spot and shrimp. Meanwhile, the green activists have sought immediate measures by the district administration to resolve the issue. “The district administration should seriously consider the findings and recommendations of the study reports of agencies like NEERI, Greenpeace International and Central Pollution Control Board,” said Mr Muhammad Iqbal, an activist.
However, the district joint trade unions’ organisation lashed at the new protest launched by a collective group of religious, political, social and cultural organisations demanding the closure of all red category industries along the river. In a statement, the leaders of various trade unions said that no move to harm industrial units in Eloor and Edayar areas would be allowed. A workers’ convention will be organised on March 29 to discuss the plan of action to effectively address the false campaigns against industries and industrial pollution, they said.
