Kerala - Alappuzha

`Conduct EIA for projects in Kuttanad'

Staff Reporter

MP calls for strengthening of Rice Research Centre at Mankombu

ALAPPUZHA: Ecologists have called for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before taking up projects in the sensitive region of Kuttanad.

Interacting with the Swaminathan Commission's study panel at the District Collectorate here on Wednesday, individuals, NGOs, institutions and

officials said the region had been adversely affected by thoughtless actions taken in the past. Alappuzha MP K.S. Manoj said EIAs should be made mandatory. Citing reports over fears of saline intrusion into Kuttanad due to the opening of the Kayamkulam fishing harbour, Dr. Manoj said studies should be carried out to verify this.

Dr. Manoj called for an inbuilt flexibility for Central and State Government schemes that were extended to Kuttanad, as the region was ecologically and topographically different from other regions. The Rice Research Centre at Mankombu should be strengthened for the benefit of the region, he added.

Several other environmentalists and nature lovers, including John Mathai, N.K. Sukumaran Nair, Fr. Thomas Peelianickal, C.J. Thampy and B. Sreekumar,

also expressed concern over similar issues.

The participants also called for proper utilisation of spillways and barrages to ensure smooth and regulated flow of water.

The problems faced by ecologically-sensitive spots such as Pathiramanal too were discussed. There was also a demand to conduct studies on the increasing population of E.Coli in the Vembanad Lake.

The panel also met representatives of district and block panchayats in the Kuttanad belt of Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.

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