An interactive session on Kerala’s environmental issues was held by the Paristhithi Samrakshana Sangham, Aluva the other day. Noted environmentalist Medha Patkar took part in the interaction.
“Kerala is blessed with a beautiful climate and landscape. It is the responsibility of every individual residing in Kerala to keep up its stature as God’s own country,” said Medha Patkar .
The audience had queries regarding the never ending pollution problems in the river Periyar. Questions were raised on the possibility of setting up a river protection authority in the state. “It would be practical to channel the popular attention to river issues.
A movement in this regard has to start from the villages. Many people in rural areas are still oblivious of the fact that their lifelines (rivers) are facing severe existential crisis.
Awareness programmes in large numbers have to be conducted for these people. Only then will the masses get empowered to voice their own needs to protect their environment and water sources,” she said.