TN: NGOs voice concern over pollution in river

Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu), Mar 9: Environmentalists and various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have voiced deep concern over the 'extreme degradation' of River Pazhayar, one of the prime water sources for Kanniyakumari District.

Pazhayar, a small but famous river running to a total length of 44 km, once catered to 16,550 acre in Kanniyakumari District. The river which starts at Surulode, about 18 km north-west of Nagercoil, has now turned into a drainage.

A recent study revealed degradation of river and health hazards caused by water pollution.

The study was conducted by the Conservation of Nature Trust, an NGO, with the help of the Forest Department and other NGOs to explore ways to stop pollution and increase water quality.

Talking to UNI, Conservation of Nature Trust Chairman R S Lal Mohan said though the river was pristine before 50 years, it started getting polluted after the Municipal Administration allowed sewage generated in the entire town to mix with the Pazhayar.

Bushes and shrubs are found all along its banks and the entire river stretch is dotted with encroachments.

Dumping of meat waste, mixing of sewage water and washing clothes had resulted in the river becoming highly polluted.

UNI