Saplings to protect the Periyar river

KOCHI: In an attempt to provide shade and shelter to Periyar, the CPM would plant 20,000 bamboo saplings on both banks of the river on June 5, the World Environment Day. Prominent figures from socio cultural sectors will attend the programme called ‘a bamboo shade for Periyar.’

Periyar, including its tributaries, flows through the district covering nearly 100 kilometres in length. Party workers and supporters will assemble on the banks of the river at selected points on June 5. They will begin planting saplings at 5 pm. 

“The programme is part of the party policy to plant 10 million saplings in the state. Such a campaign to save Periyar is being conducted for the first time. CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishann will join the 
programme at Aluva, said P Rajeeve, CPM Ernakulam district secretary.

Permission will be sought from private parties to plant saplings on their land along the shores of the river, he added. Committees will be set up at local level for the conservation of these plants.

Members from residents’ association, cultural organisations, clubs, school PTAs, feeder organisations and trade unions will also be expected to participate in the programme. Meetings named ‘Periyar Samrakshshana Sadas’ will be conducted at area level on June 2.