Eloor Pathalam Kadavu on Tuesday witnessed a unique protest ‘Jala Sathyagraha’ by Periyar Samrakshana Samara Samithi against polluting of river Periyar. Demanding a comprehensive conservation plan for the river, 34 protesters formed a chain in Periyar for two hours. A public meeting was also held.
The Jala Sathyagraha commenced after an oath-taking on environmental protection that was led by Baselios Thomas I. Addressing the gathering via mobile phone, poet Sugathakumari said that it is the responsibility of the public to react against environmental pollution and it’s high time a strong and continuous protest is taken against river pollution across the state.
“The government should focus on environment- friendly development. Any activity which damages environment should not be considered as development,” she said.
In a written message Cardinal George Alanchery said the government should take urgent steps to formulate an effective law to prevent pollution.
Industrial institutions should find proper solutions for waste management, he said.
The samithi also pressed the demand for constituting Periyar River Authority to ensure its comprehensive conservation.
Samithi leaders also demanded that a free medi-card project for the families residing at Eloor- Edayar Industrial zone should be put in place.
Later, Baselios Thomas I inaugurated the ‘Jala Sathyagraha’ and offered whole-hearted support to the protesters.
Samara samithi chairman P J Sebastian presided over the function in which AIYF state vice-president T C Sanjith, environmental activist C R Neelakandan, Charles George, Muhammad Rajeeb, Sadique Uliyil, Kumbalam Rajappan, T Peter, V R Ragunandan CM Joy and Sitaraman also spoke.