A land survey has been initiated for the construction of a dyke wall and surveillance road along the Eloor-Edayar industrial stretch of the Periyar as part of the action plan to check pollution in the waterbody.
The proposed plan includes a dyke wall and a surveillance road along the two-kilometre industrial stretch. The survey is a preliminary step toward implementing the long-delayed project, which is part of the long-term initiatives under the Periyar River Action Plan. The Department of Irrigation is the implementing agency for the project.
The State Level Monitoring Committee on Solid Waste Management appointed by the National Green Tribunal had recommended setting up an inspection walkway along the stretch for effective surveillance against industrial pollution in 2020.
The committee had expressed concerns over the possible presence of underground pipes starting from industrial units and illegally discharging industrial waste into the river. The project was delayed owing to the paucity of funds. However, the mass fish kill along the stretch in May 2024 prompted the authorities to take remedial action.
According to an updated report on the status of the implementation of projects under the action plan as of December 2024, the project for constructing the surveillance road and dyke wall had received financial sanction. The soil investigation work had also been completed, it said.
Published – March 17, 2025 10:26 pm IST
