Js. Iyer calls upon Kerala Govt. to stop Periyar pollution

Kochi, July 7 (UNI) Eminent jurist V R Krishna Iyer today held the Kerala government and the State Pollution Control Board ''guilty'' of making the Periyar river an ''aquatic terror'' and said the pollution of the river was a violation of the Constitution.

Reacting to media reports that toxic chemicals were being let into the river, Mr Justice Iyer said the industry may profit, but the people will perish.

Regretting that the State was merely watching, and not fighting, the toxic hazard, he said the concerned ministry should, as an immediate fundamental activity, take measures to avert the industrial water pollution.

Litigation, after the aqua violation, is a long, costly and wasteful process, he added.

Exhorting the Government to act without a moment's delay, he observed that the ''state executive believes in sound and fury and propagandist policy, not in urgent welfare measure.'' '' Mr. Chief Minister, your cabinet has people's concern, and so, awake, alert and avoid, as a duty to the people and to Periyar of Adi Sankara glory.'' UNI ARC VS1833