Kerala Human Rights Commission Intervenes to Expedite Water Hyacinth Removal from City Waterbodies
The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) of Kerala has taken decisive action to address the persistent environmental issue of water hyacinth infestation in key urban waterbodies. In a significant intervention, the commission has directed authorities to expedite the removal and scientific disposal of this invasive aquatic weed from the Parvathy Puthanar canal, as well as the Akkulam and Veli waterbodies in Thiruvananthapuram.
Scientific Proposal for Sustainable Cleanup
SHRC Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has instructed the city corporation to thoroughly examine and implement a comprehensive project proposal submitted by scientific adviser G Nagendra Prabhu. This proposal, which requires approval from the district planning panel, outlines a systematic approach not only for removing the water hyacinth but also for its scientific processing to create value-added products.
The innovative plan aims to transform an environmental nuisance into an opportunity for eco-friendly livelihood generation, potentially creating sustainable employment while addressing the ecological problem. Justice Thomas has directed the district collector to forward a copy of this detailed proposal to the corporation secretary for immediate consideration and action.
Addressing Pollution and Illegal Dumping
The commission's intervention follows alarming reports from multiple authorities regarding pollution in these waterbodies. The city corporation's Clean City Manager and the Inland Water Transport department's assistant engineer have documented that slaughter waste and various types of rubbish are being routinely dumped into the Parvathy Puthanar canal.
In response to these findings, the SHRC has called for strict surveillance by both police and municipal authorities to prevent further illegal dumping activities. Justice Thomas has specifically directed the district collector to convene an urgent meeting with all concerned officials to coordinate efforts and implement effective countermeasures.
Enforcement and Legal Action
The commission has emphasized that strict legal action must be initiated against individuals or entities found dumping waste into these sensitive water ecosystems. Furthermore, Justice Thomas has instructed that adequate police deployment should be ensured by the city police commissioner if required to enforce these environmental protections effectively.
This comprehensive approach by the human rights commission highlights the growing recognition of environmental protection as integral to human rights, particularly in urban areas where water pollution directly impacts community health and wellbeing. The proposed scientific processing of removed water hyacinth represents a forward-thinking solution that could serve as a model for similar environmental challenges across the region.
