The Poorna river, passing through Tripunithura, has become a dumpyard of organic, toilet and slaughter house wastes. Sensing the environmental damages caused by the pollutants, the Balagokulam Kochi Mahanagaram members have come forward against the practice on the river on which the ‘Thoni Ezhunelipu’ ritual, held as part of Poornathrayeesha temple fest, is being conducted.
“The ‘Thonni Kadavu’, situated in the western part of the river, is the most affected area. Sewage from Kochi Corporation and Tripunithura Municipal area are being directed to the ‘Kadavu’. This spoils the sanctity of the river,” said K G Sreekumar, district president of Balagokulam Kochi Mahanagaram.
The organisation has requested the Tripunithura Municipal authorities to take steps to ensure the sanctity and cleanliness of the river considering its historical importance. “The river should be protected as a heritage monument. We have already submitted a memorandum in this regard to the Municipal authorities. If they don’t clean up the river before the festival, we will do it ourselves with the help of public. We have also planned to publish a book highlighting the importance of the river,” Sreekumar said.
Meanwhile, Tripunithura Municipal Chairman R Venugopal said the Municipality will consider the issues seriously.
“We will discuss the issue at the next council meeting and ‘Thonni Kadavu’ will be protected by constructing side walls,” the chairman said.