KOTTAYAM: As Kerala observes yet another World Environment Day on Friday, greens across the state are worried and miffed over the stark realities of ecological destruction that has been going on uncurtailed behind the curtains.
Kerala, a land rich in rivers and water bodies, has been teetering towards an imminent water crisis owing to rampant deforestation, unrestrained sand mining and water pollution.
It’s in this backdrop that ‘Pampa Nadi: Paristhithiyum Paripalanavum’, a book by environmentalist and Pampa Action Council general secretary N K Sukumaran Nair, gains significance.
Protecting Rivers
Shedding light into the dark future that awaits Kerala rivers, especially Pampa - lifeline for more than 40 lakh people in its downstream, the book points to the imperative need to protect and conserve rivers for the next generation.
Published by Kerala Bhasha Institute, the book deals with the historical importance of river Pampa and its present miserable state, especially from Sabarimala, and around 34 local bodies downstream.
According to the author, pollution over the years as well as brazen sand mining have sounded death knell for the river.
In addition to the commendable research done on the environmental issues plagueing Pampa, he also puts forth some valid suggestions for its conservation.“River Pampa faces environmental threats right from its origin at the Western Ghats to Vembanad backwaters. Its natural river linking canals like Varattar (between Pampa and Manimala river) and Uthrappalli (between Pampa and Achankovil river) have already faded into history,” the book says, adding that various other tributaries are under threat of extinction.