Apex committee headed by CM to ensure cleanliness, conservation of rivers in Kerala, government tells High Court

An apex committee headed by the Chief Minister would ensure the cleanliness and conservation of rivers in Kerala, the State government has informed the Kerala High Court. Following this, the court warned of stern action if the committee failed to serve the desired purpose.

The government pleader submitted that the government has notified an ‘Integrated River Basin Conservation and Management Plan’ with several committees under it, beginning with an apex committee headed by the Chief Minister. This plan will take care of the Periyar and other rivers in Kerala. Regarding the Periyar, all issues as notified by a high level committee constituted by the court, the State, Central Pollution Control Boards and local bodies will be effectively resolved, he said and sought a month’s time for the authorities to act and to report to the court.

Following this, a Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha reminded the authorities concerned that the Periyar, being the very ‘fountain of life,’ must be maintained with purity for generations to come. The days when blame games are set and shifted from one to the other must stop. The question is whether the plan can do as has been promised. The court would wait and watch, the Bench said.

The case has been posted for hearing on August 8 and for a comprehensive report awaited from the Chief Secretary who is also part of the apex committee.