Functioning of panel for rejuvenation of canals in limbo

Joint committee yet to suggest concrete measures to clear encroachments

The functioning of the joint committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to recommend short-term and long-term measures for the rejuvenation of Perandoor and Edappally canals remains in limbo.

The Southern Bench of the tribunal had set up the committee after it took suo motu notice of The Hindu report titled ‘Faecal contamination high in Perandoor, Edappally canals’ published on January 28.

The committee included the District Collector or a senior officer not below the rank of Assistant Collector or a Sub Divisional Magistrate, and one senior officer each representing the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Environment Department, Kochi Corporation, and Greater Cochin Development Authority. The court had asked the committee to inspect the area in question and submit a factual as well as action-taken report to remedy the situation before March 31.