An effort to save a lifeline

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched an action plan prepared by the Palakkad district panchayat in association with the Haritha Keralam Mission for the revival of the Bharathapuzha at a function at Ottappalam, near here, on Monday. Talking on the occasion, the Chief Minister lauded the district panchayat for taking the initiative as the revival of the river would help boost the district’s agricultural, tourism, and socio-cultural potentials.

He also promised the support of the State government to the action plan which would be implemented through the collective efforts of 88 grama panchayats and seven municipalities. “It is a rare river protection initiative. The lifeline of Palakkad, Malappuram, and Thrissur districts, the river should be revived and protected for future generations. The combined effort will help in effectively addressing the drinking water shortage prevailing in the district,” he said.

The action plan aims at conserving the hills, slopes, and valleys on the river basin apart from assessing the depth of the river and its feeders for preventing soil erosion. Local water resources would be protected by natural recharging. Watershed development programmes would be initiated.

Garbage management

Scientific processing of garbage and organic farming methods would be promoted.

The first phase would cover Nenmara, Ayilur, Vadakkanchery, Kannambra, Pudukode, Kizhakkanchery, Alathur, Melarkode, and Kavassery grama panchayats. All the feeders of the river would be revived along with ponds, tanks, and other waterbodies located close to the river.

Minister A.K. Balan spoke.

The Chief Minister, who reached Palakkad on Sunday night, had an interactive meeting with people from different walks of life on Monday morning. In the evening, he inaugurated a public meeting marking the second anniversary of the State government.