SEMINAR CHALAKUDI RIVER – POSSIBILITIES OF REVIVAL
AT S.H.COLLEGE, CHALAKUDY ON 25TH JUNE, 2009 The world over, resistance are built up against the deeds threatening the very existence of the earth, thanks to many factors owing to global warming, change in climatic conditions and other environmental issues. Our state was once a region rich in bio-diversity in western ghats. The need of the hour is restore the glory through the revival of the lost rivers and forests through concerted and determined efforts. Chalakudy river is one of the few rivers in India with possibilities of a revival. About 75% (1300 sq. Km) of the upper catchment area consisted of natural forests a decade and half back. Now the same has shrunken to a meagre 10%. As a consequence, the river lost the richness of a good number of rivulets that were present even during the hardest summers. The construction of six dams, the flow-less river below each of them, The Parambikulam Aliyar Project which divert the whole of the water in one dam and half of another one to Tamil Nadu – all these have stolen the natural self of our river. The sand beds that had been created by many decades are virtually not present now causing loss of river banks in many places. In many places water level is now low by 20-25 feet. The lack of flow and sand beds has caused has endangered the lives of aquatic beings including a large variety of fishes. The industrial, agricultural and urban waste that are deposited in the river have affected the quality of the water. This is apart from the threat of projects like Athirappilly HEP. However, unlike many other rivers, Chalakudy river has more chances of revival. Unlike many other rivers, the upper catchment areas of Chalakudy river belong to Government departments like Forest Department and Plantation Corporation. Even now, natural forests exist in many parts of the river which can help reforestation. The issues of waste can be solved through planned and determined efforts. A coming together of a large number of people from all walks of life who love the river through the many fights like the one against the implementation of Athirappilly project is a valuable force for such a revival. A seminar aiming at the revive the glory of our river is being held on 25th July at S.H.College, Chalakudy from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm. The Hon’ble MP, Trichur, Sri.P.C.Chacko will inaugurate the seminar. The keynote address will be delivered by Sri.K.P.Dhanapalan, MP Chalakudy. Sri.V.K.Baby, the Hon’ble District Collector will speak on the occasion. Representatives of many social, political and service organizations will participate in the seminar. We earnestly invite each and every one of you to join in the seminar. Convenor Chalakudyriver Protection Forum. Ph:9249898773, 9895977769 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
