The government will prepare comprehensive pollution abatement projects for the rivers Bharathapuzha, Periyar, and Pampa under the Haritha Keralam Mission, Water Resources Minister Mathew T. Thomas has said.
Talking to reporters here on Thursday, the Minister said the condition of these three rivers was very bad and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself had directed to take necessary steps to address the problems facing the rivers.
'Hefty sum needed'
Mr. Thomas said it required a hefty sum for the rejuvenation of the three rivers and the matter was taken up with former Union Water Resources Minister, Uma Bharti, and her successor, Nithin Gadkari, seeking Central assistance.
Though a Central Water Commission expert team had conducted studies in the Pampa, they had not yet published a report on the visit, he said.
Mr. Thomas said the Cabinet had approved a legislation enhancing punishment for those who polluted water sources, making necessary amendments in the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act.
The punitive measures included two-year jail term or a fine of ₹2 lakh to the offenders and this would be made an ordinance soon, he said.
He said the Act would be executed in letter and spirit with the cooperation of the local self-government institutions, he said.