Extensive sand mining was started from Bharathapuzha in 1990. As part of the Gulf cash flow that began in the 1970s, many people in Kerala turned to work. With that, even those who had a good house to live in began to build new houses wherever possible. For all that they used the sand from Bharathapuzha. Bharathapuzha also had to pay a heavy price for the flat culture that followed. Even the flats built in Ernakulam and Thodupuzha, sand of Bharathapuzha was widely used.
Bharathapuzha was subjected to severe sand mining for 30 years. When 40-50 lorries of sand were hauled daily from more than 100 authorized kadavu in the river, three or four times that amount of sand was smuggled out of the river. As a result, Bharathapuzha lost its ‘water holding capacity’.
Concept and Launch
It is at this crucial juncture, Friends of Bharathapuzha (FOB) was formed on 13th July 2019 under the able leadership of our ‘Metro-man’ Dr.E.Sreedharan to revitalize and rejunevate Bharathapuzha.
We need a good scientific engineering solution and administrative setup to save the dying Bharathapuzha. It also needs a system with statutory power. ‘Friends of Bharathapuzha’ aims to elevate Bharathapuzha to its former glory within the next ten years by setting up a ‘Bharathapuzha Conservation Authority’ capable of controlling the revenue, police and local bodies that Bharathapuzha has already placed under this category.
Make sure that polluted water including human excretions, mud and solid waste should never reach Bharathapuzha.
River Invasions must be evacuated. Inorder to increase the depth of the river, the grass, trees, collection of sand etc that has been settled at the middle portion should be removed in a controlled manner subjected to the easy flow of water. Make sure that new dams will never be constructed across Bharathapuzha and its handrails/ tributaries. In certain critical situations, after enough studies permission can be grant to new regulators. Taking into consideration the possibilities of flood the working of existing regulators is made flawless for the immediate opening and closing. The easy flow of water from Bharathapuzha should reach Arabian sea, for this the existing water holding capacity of ponnani estuary must be increased.
Afforestation must be practiced in the catchment area of Bharathapuzha during summer season so to increase the water flow in Bharathapuzha.
FRIENDS OF BHARATHAPUZHA’ will make sure the cooperation of inhabitants, representatives of the people, head of the local bodies near the coastal of bharathapuzha through the continuous awareness program. Seek the help of the District collectors to find out the assault of Bharathapuzha and to recapture it.
Fund required for the revival activities of Bharathapuzha is made possible through CSR fund. The members of “FRIENDS OF BHARATHAPUZHA’ is deployed in local bodies to coordinate the revival activities of Bharathapuzha.
At present the ‘ FRIENDS OF BHARATHAPUZHA’ has got no executive power but acquire such power through a legislative process of formation of Bharathapuzha Conservation Authority. The operation of such an authority is regulated by the river management experts only.
Rivers are the dumping yard for Solid Waste. Across many locations Garbages are dumped into River either directly or from bridges, accumulated on the River banks.
Industrial Polutants and toxic waste from industries flows into river without treatment
Drainages from residential areas (both Black & Grey Water) flow into River
Open defecation still happens in River banks
Anti-Social elements and tourists spoil pollute the river banks with plastic wastes and bottles
For Sewage treatment, FOB goes for technical surveys, Awareness Creation and using technological or environment solutions for treatment facilities
FOB want to ensure uniform flow of Bharathappuzha - E Flow during the Monsoon Months, Non Monsoon Months & Summer.
River invasions must be evacuated. Inorder to increase the depth of the river, the grass, trees, collection of sand etc that has been settled at the middle portion should be removed in a controlled manner subjected to the easy flow of water. Make sure that new dams will never be constructed across Bharathapuzha and its handrails/ tributaries. In certain critical situations, after enough studies permission can be grant to new regulators. Taking into consideration the possibilities of flood the working of existing regulators is made flawless for the immediate opening and closing. The easy flow of water from Bharathapuzha should reach Arabian sea, for this the existing water holding capacity of ponnani estuary must be increased.
Afforestation must be practiced in the catchment area of Bharathapuzha during summer season so to increase the water flow in Bharathapuzha. Catchment enrichment with local plantations. The fundamental objective is to prevent the fast runoff and subsequent soil loss from forests and farm lands and to facilitate the rain water to stand and infiltrate into the ground and replenish the underground water. The native species that existed in the river banks locally has to be identified and promotrd.
FOB is trying to do Bio diversity Mapping and also use phyto remediation techniques where ever applicable.
‘FRIENDS OF BHARATHAPUZHA’ will make sure the cooperation of inhabitants, representatives of the people, head of the local bodies near the coastal of Bharathapuzha through the continuous awareness program. Engaging local Schools, Colleges, like minded organisations for awareness drives, activities and even for technical or Social surveys and Analysis.
