The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has criticized both the Central and State Pollution Control Boards (PCBs) for their inadequate response to pollution incidents in the Periyar River. Comprising Judicial Member Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Expert Member Satyagopal Korlapati, the Bench highlighted its previous order from May 27, 2022, which addressed the pollution issues in Periyar and outlined required remediation actions.
In a case initiated suo motu based on a report by The Hindu titled ‘Another mass fish kill in Periyar river in Kerala after suspected effluent release’ dated May 21, the Bench questioned why the directives were not followed, leading to another mass fish kill on May 21, 2024. The tribunal’s order dated August 20 pointed out the existence of a monitoring committee responsible for overseeing the situation.
The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) conducted a study on the fish kill, which contradicted the Kerala State Pollution Control Board’s (KSPCB) findings. Kufos’ preliminary report revealed toxic levels of ammonium and hydrogen sulphide in water samples collected from the Eloor-Edayar stretch of the Periyar on May 20 and 21.
The Bench has requested the Central PCB to clarify the discrepancies in the KSPCB’s report. Furthermore, it directed the monitoring committee to provide details on industries in the Periyar catchment area, their methods of effluent discharge, and the level of contamination in the river. The tribunal also involved Kufos and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute in the case to ensure a comprehensive examination of the situation.
The ongoing negligence by the PCB and associated bodies has raised major concerns, as the tribunal continues to push for stringent actions to prevent further environmental degradation in the Periyar River.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ngt-pulls-up-pcbs-for-lack-of-action-against-pollution-of-periyar/article68573352.ece
Category : Kerala
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