Moving along the upcoming 4-laned version of NH 66, people are awestruck by the development Thiruvananthapuram city is passing through. Two bridges across Akkulam lake, overpasses, service roads, deep drains, wide medians, the growing sky-scrapers of apartments, luxury car showrooms, hotels, restaurants and takeaways, all related to the ever growing IT infrastructure... But, is that all? Behind the ribbons of these buildings lies a sad story which is unseen or rather, ignored.
A disturbing news has hit dailies (http://digitalpaper.mathrubhumi.com/1678639/Trivandrum/31-May-2018#page/21), but was more than anticipated: Thettiyar overflowed again, resulting in flooding of houses that hold 40 families.
Now what is in it? It is normal that rivers overflow in rains; once the rains subside, the rivers get back to what and where they were, right? That's what anyone can think, but these hapless people can't. The flooding of Thettiyar is not just river encroaching in to their premises, and leaving patches on walls, but it is all about what the river brings in. And yes, rivers have their own courses and flow patterns, across seasons; but now when there is something external that upsets their plans.
Thettiyar, a dying waterbody
I had presented as much information I could collect and compile, on the issue of Thettiyar in another post (https://smartcitytvm-rpk.blogspot.com/2016/11/smart-city-we-killed-our-rivers-and-now.html).
The river is contaminated from it's very source, enroute veli lake, and in its tributries too. Many of the tributaries of this river which was once told to have been flowing deep, crystal clear water which the locals used to dive in to and even drink, have already vanished or are dying.
The present news revolves around,as I mentioned, 40 families, but where are they? Sandwiched between the railway track and the Veli hills (hosting VSSC) lies a narrow strip of beautiful green land, divided by the river that flows through it. This place is pretty close to Veli railway station. The river, passing by this place, crosses the railway track and finally merges with Veli lake.
The river has detached a part of this strip, which was recently given connectivity by a narrow foot bridge, known as Nalpathadi Palam (40 feet bridge). The river is wide enough at these places, but not deep. Why? Due to sediments naturally brought downstream, as well as upstream from veli lake due to a reverse flow, as the sea is detached from veli lake by the sand bar. When the sand bar was opened by authorities once news of flooding reached them, the water has subsided. But sediments? they went nowhere, leaving the place with puddles of stinky black water.
What is killing Thettiyar?
Why did Thettiyar push stinking waters in to these houses? One simple answer: human activity and development. Well, we all need development. We need good Transport, communication, living standards. But what if it is at the cost of the environment we live in? No, it is not acceptable. The following photographs which were taken during our visit to the place would tell only part of the story that led to the present situation. We, a team of like minded people, united through a facebook group.
They too are humans:
Wading through knee (or sometimes chest) deep dirty waters could be their worst nightmare.The immediate remedial measure taken by authorities (cutting open sand bar) has only temporarily eased the situation. Once monsoon sets in, the waters will again flood these houses, along with bringing in wastes from parvathy puthanar. Worse, they are deprived of drinking water and the only source is the corporation tap, located a few hundred metres away.
The walkway to the location nalpathadippalam, parallel to railway track
Nalpathadipplam
Affected buildings, downstream of the bridge
Affected buildings, downstream of the bridge
Affected buildings, downstream of the bridge.
The house above collapsed once destroyed in floods.
The exact place in the article. Waters have receded, but the stinking deposits?
The exact place in the article (shown at top). can these toys be used again?
Affected buildings, and trees downstream of the bridge, with water level marks
With a parapet wall just 2 feet tall, the waters that rose up by 3 plus feet could easily get in to this well, and has been rendered useless over years
Almost stagnant waters with water hyacinth,
plastic and other wastes washed up/down stream.
Unaffected by stagnation beyond the railway bridge,
but then we have greenery as water hyacinth!
This man's (Muhammed Basheeer) house was flooded despite being at a higher level.
He pointed out a serious issue: stagnant toilet waste, other organic wastes and plastic that refused to move away even when waters receded. The bridge has taken up some of his land too, which he had whole heartedly given. He has a tap connected to infiltrate water, but it is useless too.
remnants of dirty puddles on the higher side
Houses on the higher side, still affected by flooding
A house on opposite bank, isolated from all others.
Locals told us it was occupied by an old lady, who is mentally upset.
Upstream views of Thettiyar
Mud marks on leaves.
Floating Bottles? No, they are stuck in the sediments that has drastically reduced depth of river, and is too treacherous to tread on.
Now who can we thank for this?
The wastes that reach thettiyar are contributed by the various apartment complexes and unscientific "dormitories" for workers from north east. These dwellings have sewer pipe outlets opening in to the river.
"Dormitories" of labourers from north east
Egrets are a common scene at garbage dump areas.
Waste water being let in to the river through a few rubble removed from side wall.
Ecotourism potential
A trace of possible pedal/country boating path (the location of affected lands is shown in the rose box)
A view of thettiyar from a rock top
A scenic view of the location
Renovation of this abandoned building can provide an office space for ecotourism.
A reasonably wide river like this, with proper dredging and slope correction works can provide excellent local boating options.
Scenic views of the rocky hill side
With connectivity only by walk or at the most by two wheelers, this place is not good for living in the present condition. Threat of epidemics is pretty high in the area. The residents here are fed up by the situation having exposed to stinking waters filled with toilet and other wastes flooding their houses and making them flee for shelter. Many have left the palace abandoning their houses, and the others are more than willing to relocate if suitable options are given. They are a lot cooperative with our team, and are willing to provide space for extension of water supply pipe lines.
Nothing is more pathetic than to run in search of drinking water, with a river flowing nearby. On the other hand, we have security issues here, with no proper lighting or access to these houses. Possibilities of antisocial activities, are higher here, houses being isolated with no proper communication systems. Hence, this region, being a bit isolated, but pretty scenic, can be developed in to an ecotourism zone with support from ISRO, wherein a country boat or pedal boat ride can be provided from the veli lake to the interiors. A lot more options like huts, cottages etc can be made available here, utilising some of the abandoned buildings too. Sidewall protection is not necessary for a natural water body if used for tourism. A proper maintenance of the banks will do.
Our team members (Mr. Sanjeev of EPRC, and students of Civil dept CET ) at location.
Thanks to this man Sanjeev and facebook, we were here.
Great move by sanjeev sj and team thettiyar sahajivan swaraj, to bring thettiyar issue before authorities.... While we wait for authorities to respond which generally has procedural delays, how about doing something by public participation? Just had a thought of building a bund on either banks of thettiyar, near nalpathadippaalam by:
1. using lesser soil from other sites
2. using more of sediments by dredging the river and taking out the soil dumped near akkulam bridge. The dumped cut out portions of concrete piles can be used to strengthen the bund too. These pieces can be used as seats in case the place is used for recreation. This should be done without affecting the current status of greenery and path of river. The removal of soil from bridge site at akkulam lake will restore the lake too.
3. Use of geotextiles here can help protecting the bank's naturally, and bund can serve as an access to land (no, not like the bund road at killipalam!) as well as barrier to rising water.
4. This, coupled with fruit trees and bamboo variants, medicinal plants and mangrove plantations can enhance ecosystem too.
Please don't get carried away by seeing just a low level muddy water or an apparently dry land. They mask a lot. It is just calmness before the storm. This article will be updated wit latest information. Please keep visiting and give in your priceless suggestions in comment box . It is a long way to go, but with support from humanity, and authorities, we can make it, and make our capital truly a capital of God's Own Country.
Great to this well documented Nalpathadi Palam story.
ReplyDeleteI think what you did was also an integral part of Sustainable tourism.
We exposed a bunch of issue which are mainly connected with Environmental, Pollution and Human Right violations.
We all need to consolidate soon for some practical sustainable acts on this problem.
Thank you for the comment and priceless works.
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