Project to protect Thodupuzha river bank

 Harithavanam, a project to protect the banks of the Thodupuzha river by planting tree saplings, will be launched at a function to be held at Thodupuzha on November 5. A meeting held in this regard by environmental activists, political leaders and municipal councillors decided to protect the river from being encroached upon by individuals.A public forum, 'Janakeeya Koottayma', which has been demanding the protection of the river banks for the past four years, is organising the Harithavanam project supported by non-governmental organisations and environmentalists.It is alleged that vast areas of the riverbank had been encroached by business groups and constructions made in violation of the river protection rules.The Janakeeya Koottayama, which had filed cases before the High Court against the encroachment of the riverbanks by individuals has gained a favourable order, the office-bearers said.The Janakeeya Koottayma has long-term plan to restore the banks of the river and to plant trees and garden plants on its  banks.Environmentalists C. R. Neelakandan, Muriyad Varghese, Swami Ayyappadas and John Peruvanthanam would be attending the meeting to be held at 10 a.m.

The Hindu, 4^th November 2008