Steps taken to reduce mud contents in river Periyar

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 7 (UNI) With all possible steps taken to reduce the mud contents in river Periyar, there is no need for anxiety in this regard, the Kerala Assembly was told today.

Replying to the notice for an adjournment motion sought to be moved by V D Satheesan of the Congress on the issue, river Resources Minister N K Premachandran said mud contents in Periyar water had come down considerably following increased inflow of waters due to resumption of power generation at Pallivasal, Senkulam, Panniyar and lower Periyar projects.

He said turbidity rate had fallen significantly because of the higher inflow into the river and banning of sand-mining in its upstream.

Electricity Minister A K Balan said mud flowed to the river following the opening of the shutters of the Neriyamangalam hydel project for trial run of the 25 MW project, which was expected to be commissioned by May next. A sum of Rs 50 lakh was provided for the supply of drinking water in the affected areas.

Health Minister P K Sreemathi said the outbreak of jaundice in some panchayats had been brought under control and there was no need for anxiety.

The State Pollution Control Board was monitoring the quality of water of the river, she added.

Seeking leave for the motion, Mr Satheesan alleged lack of coordination between the various departments to deal with the situation.

Speaker K Radhakrishnan refused leave for the motion in the light of the Ministers' replies.

UNI