The State Human Rights Commission has asked the Aluva municipality to take urgent steps to clean up the polluted canal that is flowing into the river Periyar, which is the major drinking water source of the district.
In an order, Commission Chairman Justice Antony Dominic said that under the laws, conservation of water resources was the responsibility of local bodies.
The order was passed on a complaint by P.U. Sagar, president of the Thynoth Nagar Residents’ Association, about the pitiable status of the canal that flows down to the river. At night, waste was dumped into the open drain, said the complaint. The commission also sought a report from Aluva Municipal Secretary in this regard.
The secretary reported to the commission that health inspectors had been deputed to carry out inspections at night. The report said the canal was in a dilapidated condition and required repairs.