Thiruvananthapuram: The irrigation department is gearing up for works to ensure the smooth conduct of rituals during Karkkidaka Vavu. It has decided to desilt the bed of
Thiruvallam stream, which lies close to Sree Parashurama temple, one of the most popular temples for bali rituals.
The department has pegged the cost of desilting works at Rs 16 lakh. Assistant engineer SR Surajith said the tender for the work will be issued next week and work will be executed by July end.
Recently, MLA O Rajagopal had raised the issue of pollution of Thiruvallam stream in the assembly. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had assured him that the stream will be cleaned on time.
What worries the department is the presence of bunds created for the construction of Thiruvallam bridge by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
“Though work has been completed, NHAI has not removed bunds from the steam. This is causing stagnation and we had sent letters to NHAI asking them to take immediate steps to clear bunds. However, no action has bene taken,” he said.
Incidentally, NHAI had made a bund in Akkulam Lake for the construction of Akkulam bridge. This too is yet to be removed fully. Though NHAI officials claimed that they would remove the bund, nothing has happened yet.
Rituals are usually held during full moon day and new moon day. Since tidal activity is high, the department has decided to employ more staff to clean up the stream to prevent accumulation of pollutants.
Under the desilting programme, the department will clear flowers, plantain leaves, rice offering and accumulated sledge.
In 2010, the department had installed shutters and pumps on both ends of the stream to prevent the entry of polluted waters from Parvathy Puthanar and to pump clear water from Karamana river.
In addition to Thiruvallam, the department is spending around Rs 1.15 lakh at Aruvikkara to maintain the bali kadavu and check dam.
