PCB officals collect samples from Periyar

Kochi: The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has collected water samples from Gothuruthu and Kurumbathuruthu in Paravoor where Periyar had turned red.
The pollution board officials who inspected the site on Tuesday checked oxygen levels in the water, and said that a report would be prepared in a week.
Local residents of these islands, engaged in cage farming, said that discolouration was heavy in the past four days.
"Today, there was heavy current and discolouration was weak. We suspect that there was some conscious effort to ensure heavy flow of water through this region by opening shutters of dams located in upper regions," said Titus Gothuruthu, block panchayat member Paravoor.
He said that they have filed a police complaint on Sunday.
Those who are engaged in cage farming suffered huge loss. Dead fishes were found in bunches. Calbasu, catla and peal sport were some of the fish species that there found dead.
"The tributaries of Periyar bring in large quantities of water and pollutants to the river. It occurs mainly through Edayar region. Earlier, it was pointed out that low level or absence of oxygen is the major reason for the recurring fish deaths. But authorities failed to find a solution," he added.
"Authorities display a negligent attitude in checking continuing fish deaths," said green activist Aneesh.