State to launch river conservation project

 
Revenue Minister K.P.Rajendran announced here on Monday that the Government would launch a river and lake conservation project in the State. Addressing a press conference at the Collectorate conference hall, the Minister said the Government would set up a Wetland Information System and a Wetland Management System as part of the proposed river and lake conservation project.

He said illegal river sand mining and pollution of water sources by chemicals, pesticides and even human waster were serious environmental concerns facing the State. The authorities concerned should take urgent and effective measures to check these hazards. He said experts had already warned that the growing rate of degradation of our systems would ultimately lead to caving-in of bridges and even changing the river course.

Conservation of the three major rivers- the Bharathapuzha, the Periyar and the Pamba- would be taken in the fisrst phase. The project will be implemented in co-operation with the local bodies as well as non- governmental organizations.

(The Hindu,14th February 2007)