The Hindu Business Line : Kuzhikandam Creek, Eloor among sites to be restored

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has included Kuzhikandam Creek at suburban Eloor among seven polluted sites in the country identified for restored under a World Bank project.

The move of the Ministry comes in the wake of reports that unchecked discharge of chemical effluents from industrial units had resulted in pollution of the creek. The Central Pollution Control Board will soon submit a proposal for getting financial assistance from the World Bank for rehabilitation of the creek.

If sanctioned, the World Bank project might also help in restoration of the Periyar River, as the preliminary proposal has sought funds for rehabilitation of Kuzhikandam creek and adjoining areas.

By including areas nearby the creek in the proposal, senior officials of the Central and State Pollution Control Boards hope that it might help in launching a large-scale project for restoration of the Periyar.

According to Mr S.D. Jayaprasad, Member Secretary, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, work on the proposal had already begun with the Central Pollution Control Board deciding to come up with a plan for rehabilitation of the creek next month. Experts had taken stock of the present condition of the creek and a preliminary study had been carried out to assess the extent of damage, he said.

The Central Pollution Control Board had sought the help of German Technological Corporation in drawing out a rehabilitation plan for the creek. Mr Jurgen Porst, Senior Advisor of German Technological Corporation will suggest steps for restoring the creek to its original condition. A detailed plan will be submitted to the Central Pollution Control Board.

Mr Jayaprasad said that the work on fixing individual share of the Rs 2.5-crore collective fine imposed on industrial units in Eloor and Edayar for polluting the Periyar is progressing.

The "polluter pays" principle will be implemented while distributing the penalty among industrial units in the industrial region.