NGT panel to ascertain damage to Meenachil’s ecology

Row between authorities and environmentalists over the proposed flood risk management in the river

The clash between authorities and environmentalists over the proposed flood risk management works in the Meenachil river has taken a new turn with the Southern Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal appointing a joint committee to ascertain the alleged damage caused to the riverine environment. Considering a petition filed by the Kottayam Nature Society (KNS), the Bench has ordered the constitution of a committee to inspect the area and submit a report. It comprises a senior officer from the regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Bengaluru, a senior scientist from the Kerala State Biodivesrity Board, Assistant Conservator of forest, Executive Engineer of the Major Irrigation Department, Kottayam, and the Kottayam Collector. The Forest Department has been appointed as the nodal agency for co-ordinating the study.