SPV likely to implement Kuzhikandam creek remediation project

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) is likely to be formed as part of setting up an effluent treatment plant to rejuvenate the heavily polluted Kuzhikandam creek in Eloor.

The project will come up in nearly 75 cents under Hindustan Insecticides Limited in Eloor after the Centre agreed to provide the land for implementing the much-delayed project.

The creek was among the 12 toxic dumping sites in the country identified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for remediation under the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) programme in 2011.

The site was included in the national programme after investigations by the Central Pollution Control Board revealed huge deposits of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in the creek. Investigations had also revealed that 24.5 hectares of soil and waterbodies at four locations in Eloor were contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals.

Board officials pointed out that clarity had to evolve on the funding part as funds under the NCEF had lapsed after the Centre shelved the scheme. The government had earlier decided that 60% of the total estimate had to be shared between the polluting industries based on ‘polluter pays principle’ and the State government, while the Centre would provide the remaining 40%. The government will also have to take a call on the dues incurred by the industrial units along the Eloor-Edayar stretch responsible for the pollution of the Periyar towards the remediation cost, they said.

The plant will be set up based on a detailed project report to be finalised by the SPV. A timeline will be drawn up for the preparation and approval of the tender documents and the invitation of tenders for the award of work within the time schedule.