The shocking sight of a collection tank of a latrine complex discharging into the Pampa river greeted the Central team visiting Pampa on Monday.
Taken aback
The team members and Rajya Sabha member Suresh Gopi were taken aback by the sight of the filth discharging into the Pampa, which the faithful consider holy.
The tank was found overflowing onto the road leading to Pampa Ganapati Temple, ultimately entering the river.
TDB unrepresented
Mr. Gopi directed the officials accompanying the team to take up the matter with the Pathanamthitta Collector.
Interestingly, no representative of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) was present during the Central team’s visit.
It may be recalled that the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) had reported alarming levels of e-coli and coliform bacteria in the river during the previous Makaravilakku pilgrim season.
The PCB had found the total count of coliform bacteria in 100 ml of water in the Pampa at 5,50,000 on the Makaravilakku day on January 15. This is against the maximum permissible limit of 500 for every 100 ml for bathing purpose.
