Tilting the environmental balance

KOCHI: The Meenachil project will have far reaching environmental implications. The construction of a 6.5-km-long tunnel from Arakkulam to Kadappuzha and dredging Meenachil river by 20 ft will destroy the environmental balance of these regions. Constructing a tunnel from Arakkulam to Kadappuzha river through hilly areas will cause severe damages to the environment. “The area is already marked as tremor prone region. So, constructing a tunnel in the area will be fatal,” former MLA Babu Paul said. To facilitate smooth flow of water brought to Meenachil river through the tunnel down stream, the river will have to be dredged by 20 ft. As the water level of Meenachil river comes down by 20 ft the saline water from the backwaters will flow down to the river. The Muvattupuzha river will also face the same situation leading to water shortage in 46 panchayats and two municipalities.