Kottayam: Kerala has raised objections to the Pamba-Achankovil-Vaippar river interlinking project, citing environmental and social concerns. Roshy Augustine, Kerala Minister for Water Resources, stated that it was inappropriate to include the project in the agenda of the National Water Development Agency's Special Committee on River Interlinking Projects without prior communication with the state. He emphasised that all parties affected by the project should be informed before setting the agenda. Further discussions will be held in upcoming meetings to address how the river interlinking might impact Kerala's interests.
Environmental impact: Threat to forests and wildlife
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Forest Minister A K Saseendran, Kerala Minister for Forest and Wildlife, also voiced the state’s concerns, highlighting the potential destruction of forest areas. He also emphasised that Kerala is opposed to the interlinking of rivers.
Climate change and the monitoring efforts of the Gadgil-Kasturirangan committees present major hurdles for the project. Obtaining various permits for such a large-scale project, which could cause massive damage to the Western Ghats, is a complex task. In the Achankovil division alone, 1,545 hectares of forest will be submerged. The project involves three dams for water storage: two are located in Achankovil. The first is at Chittarmoozhi, which is 160 meters high and 738 meters long. The second dam is located nine kilometers downstream from Achankovil, standing 35 meters high and 216 meters long. The third dam is situated in Seethathode and is 150 meters high.
Displacement and resettlement concerns
A feasibility study conducted by the National Water Development Agency revealed that the project would displace 297 people from 75 families. These families would need to be resettled due to the flooding caused by the dams. Key roads such as Alimukku-Achankovil and Shenkottai-Achankovil would be submerged, further complicating the project’s implementation.
Published: 11 Dec 2024, 09:29 am IST
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