KOCHI: The Association of Environmental Protection will organise Periyar River Protection Convention on November 27 at Aluva Advaithashramam Grounds. The convention will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and attended by several ministers, MLAs, MPs and environmental activists. The motto of the convention is ‘Protect the Periyar, Make drinking water available’. For about 45 lakh people from Ernakulam and Idukki districts, Periyar is the sole source of drinking water. The demand for protecting Periyar has been going on for decades. Even in 1986, when the Association for Environmental Protection was launched in Aluva, this was the major focus of the organisation. In spite of years of activism and awareness campaigns, the authorities concerned have turned a blind eye on the issue. Implementation of the Periyar Action Plan continues to be unkept promises. These issues will be discussed at the convention.Excessive sand mining, inordinate dumping of chemical and biological wastes and continuing neglect has lead to a situation where the river faces imminent danger of extinction. Effects of the destruction of the river has started showing in nearby areas. Water levels in wells have gone down, farmlands have been destroyed.If this continues, it could lead to bigger consequences including the shutting down of industries providing employment to thousands, destruction of the remaining agricultural lands, slowing down of the growth of the Kochi City and most importantly the non-availability of drinking water for thousands of people.
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