The work of the regulator-cum-bridge at Pathalam which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday is considered to be major relief for the people of the region. The bridge has been a long-pending demand by the locals and environmentalists to regulate the flow of toxic elements flowing to the Periyar river.
There had been frequent complaints of depleting number of fish after the toxin level in the waters of Periyar river soared to alarming levels. The bridge-cum-regulator constructed at Manjummal has proved to be highly effective in containing toxic waste. This project will also be helpful in solving the potable water issues and scarcity of water for agriculture in the Eloor and places adjacent to the bridge.
The project will be funded by the State Irrigation Department. According to the officials at the Irrigation Department, the estimated cost of the project is expected to be around Rs 60 crore and Irrigation Department has floated the tender for Rs 57.05 crore. “The Kochi Refineries will provide an assistance on Rs 11.05 crore as they will be getting water supply once the project completes. NABARD will also provide assistance for the project,” they said.
The project is likely to be completed within two years and Irrigation Department is planing to commission the bridge by 2015 after conducting various tests. About 25 cents of land has to be acquired for the purpose. There will be a two-lane bridge of 7.50 metre each and a regulator at a length of 180 metres.
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