Status report filed by the Additional Chief Secretary on steps taken to protect the river bank ecosystem of Bharathapuzha, Kerala, 16/02/2023
Present status report filed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Department, Kerala in the matter of Tribunal on its own motion Suo Motu Vs Government of Kerala and others dated 16/02/2023.
The NGT, February 24, 2022 taking notice of a media report 'burning banks of Bharathapuzha' and how anti social elements continue to burn dried riparian grassland had asked for submission of a report on the matter and steps taken to prevent it.
The District Collector, Palakkad is coordinating the various activities at district level with the cooperation of the Irrigation, Agriculture, Police Department, Harithakarmasena and Biodiversity Management Committees. All steps are taken for the preservation and enrichment of the river bank ecosystem of Bharathappuzha in a phased manner.
A survey squad was deployed by the revenue department to revalidate the boundaries of Bharathappuzha. A survey team has also been deployed to stop encroachments. The district administration, Palakkad is coordinating the work of riverbed cultivation, fallow land cultivation, bamboo planting, vegetables and paddy farming which are being done in Pattambi, Ottappalam, Anakkara, Pattithara Thirthala, Vaniyamkulam municipalities and grama panchayats to preserve the biodiversity of Bharathappuzha and prevent coastal erosion.