Latest Kerala Local News: NGT suspects heavy pollution of river waters during this monsoon
The court instructed the Local Government Department (LSGD) to coordinate with the Water Resources Department and the Health Department to monitor river water pollution. The case will be heard on August 1.
“Based on the instructions of the state-appointed technical committee composed of engineers from LSGD, Pollution Control Bureau (pcb) and irrigation services, we’ve covered the burnt piles with tarpaulin leaves in Brahmapuram so that it does not flow into nearby water bodies,” Kochi Mayor Anilkumar said.
However, officials said this would not stop the contamination as the land is swampy and much of it has already seeped into the waters. PCB officials said the company has taken some steps and they will need to be assessed.
According to the PCB River Rejuvenation Report submitted in March, contamination levels of Chitrapuzha and Kadambrayar rivers at various points indicate high levels of heavy metal and coliform bacteria contamination.
“Everyone knows that the contamination is high. What we need to know is what the contaminants are and also the presence of its impact on the soil and marine life. What should have been done is the sampling of the waters up to Tripunithura immediately and the reports should have been made public so that people take precautions,” said environmentalist CM Joy.
According to the PCB report, local bodies including Vadavucode-Puthencruz and Tripunithura have set up inspection and monitoring teams to monitor pollution of the rivers by individuals and organizations. A joint effluent treatment plant has become operational in Chitrapuzha and compliance is being monitored. The Municipality of Thrikkakara has begun to identify and sanction major polluters, including apartments, hospitals, gas stations, markets and industries up the river.
However, green activists say this is all just eyewash.
“In Pathalam, nothing is being done for Periyar River Action Plan. When we collected mud and sediment samples at Kuzhikkandam Thodu and showed the reports to PCB, they said their reports showed zero values for DDT, BHC, etc. while we found the presence of contaminants. We asked them to collect the samples for us and we took them for testing. said Periyar Maleenikarana Virudha Samithi, research coordinator. Eloor Purushan.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.