The project will enable the preparation of the action plan for the holistic development of river basin, including the restoration of the ecosystem of the river and improve the environmental health of watercourses. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakat
The Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, reported the Green Tribunal National Court that it had conducted a study on the preparation of the evaluation plan and conditions for the six river basin, including Periyar.
In addition to Periyar, the river basins belonged to the Godavari, Narmad, Mahanadi, Cauver and Krishna.
The project would enable the preparation of the Action Plan for the Holistic Development of the River Basin, including the preservation and rejuvenation of rivers/tributaries, restoring the ecosystem of the river and improving the ecological health of watercourses, according to report of 18 June 2025 by the Ministry of Water Resources before the tribul court.
It was submitted as part of a petition that sought measures against periyar pollution caused by an illegal disk of polluting substances by unauthorized drainage and the impact of industrial pollution on Eloor-Edayar Stretch on its overall ecosystem. The studies were underway and the reports would be shared with the state government for the next steps, she said.
In addition to the Tábor project, the Indian Institute for Wild Game was assigned to conduct a biodiversity for six rivers – Mahanadi, Godavari, Narmad, Periyar, Cauver and Barak. According to the report, the study also continued.
The Ministry of Water Resources stated that three projects of pollution for the total cost of 115.7 Crore for Rivers Pampa, ChitraPuzha in Ernacula and Periyar have been sanctioned.
The Ministry of Water Resources said on the issue of wastewater released into Periyar and unlawful intervention in water storage that the problems raised in the petition in front of the tribunal were related to industrial toxic drain and illegal interventions that were not under its aspect.
The report stated that “water” was a state subject and was the primary responsibility of the territory of states/trade unions and local city bodies to ensure the required washing of waste water and industrial disposition according to the prescribed standards before their release into rivers and other watercourses.
Published – June 24, 2025 21:11
