The Hindu : Central aid likely to clean up Pamba river

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 20, 2002

National

National

Central aid likely to clean up Pamba river

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI Dec. 19. Here is some good news for pilgrims going to Sabarimala. The Union Environment Minister, T.R. Baalu, today agreed in principle to provide Central assistance for a project to clean up the Pamba river which flows by the side of the shrine.

The Kerala Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, made a plea for the project, estimated to cost Rs. 320 crores, at a meeting with Mr. Baalu here and the latter agreed in principle to include it under the National River Conservation Programme.

Mr. Antony said the river, which is the second largest in the State, has turned into a virtual puddle of human waste due to the discharge of raw sewage and domestic and commercial waste, especially during the Sabarimala pilgrim season. A detailed study by the State Government had revealed that the coliform bacteria count in the 176 km long river went up to even 2 lakh per 100 ml in some stretches, as against the norm of 10,000 per 100 ml.

Mr. Antony said it was customary for all pilgrims going to the Sabarimala to have a holy dip in the river. About 1.8 lakh persons visit the temple from all parts of the country everyday.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National