HC reiterates need for dedicated authority to protect Periyar

The Kerala High Court has said that the government must consider the court’s recommendation that a dedicated authority be formed for the protection of the Periyar.

This is crucial to revive the river. There can be no more delay in this regard, especially since there are innumerable people who cannot afford to purify or boil water before use. Particularly vulnerable are children and elderly people who could fall ill due to relying on polluted water. It is in this situation that there is a need for a dedicated authority for the river, the court said.

The High Court had earlier expressed concern at the grave health hazards due to increasing pollution of the river.