Pampa-Achankovil-Vaippar river delinking project an environmental hazard: PJ Joseph
He also argued that the decision to include the project in the special agenda of the National Water Development Agency was a poor one, as the Pampa and Achankovil rivers both originate and flow through Kerala.
He also argued that the decision to include the project in the special agenda of the National Water Development Agency was a poor one, as the Pampa and Achankovil rivers both originate and flow through Kerala.
He also argued that the decision to include the project in the special agenda of the National Water Development Agency was a poor one, as the Pampa and Achankovil rivers both originate and flow through Kerala.
Kottayam: Former Water Resources Minister and Kerala Congress Chairman PJ Joseph on Sunday called to cancel the Pampa-Achankovil-Vaippar river delinking project, stating that it could disrupt the state's environmental balance.
He criticised the claim that the project would generate 508 MW of electricity, labelling it a misleading tactic designed to deceive the public. He also argued that the decision to include the project in the special agenda of the National Water Development Agency was a poor one, as the Pampa and Achankovil rivers both originate and flow through Kerala.
The proposed project involves diverting 63.4 crore sq m of water to Tamil Nadu via a tunnel. Joseph highlighted that its implementation could lead to the submergence of over 2,000 hectares of forest land. Additionally, he warned that it could accelerate the intrusion of saline water into Vembanad Lake and exacerbate the suffering of local communities.
The former minister further stated that the construction of 150-metre-high dams at Pampa Kallar and Achankovil Kallar, as well as a mini dam on the Achankovil River, would have serious ecological repercussions for the state.
He criticised the Centre's inclusion of the project without consulting Kerala and urged the state government to take decisive action against implementing the same.