Periyar and Beyond: India's Major Rivers Set for Rejuvenation

The Department of Water Resources, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it is preparing a Condition Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) for six major river basins, including the Periyar. The initiative aims to formulate a comprehensive action plan for the rejuvenation of rivers, restoration of ecosystems, and improvement of the ecological health of waterbodies.

The rivers covered under the CAMP study include the Godavari, Narmada, Mahanadi, Cauvery, Krishna, and Periyar. The update, dated June 18, 2025, was submitted to the NGT’s Southern Bench in response to a petition addressing pollution in the Periyar River—particularly along the Eloor-Edayar industrial belt, where unauthorised drains and industrial effluents have raised serious environmental concerns. The Department stated that the CAMP study is still in progress and its findings will be shared with the respective State governments for follow-up action.

In parallel, the Wildlife Institute of India is conducting a biodiversity assessment of six rivers, including the Periyar and Barak. Additionally, three pollution abatement projects worth ₹115.7 crore have been sanctioned for the rivers Pampa, Chitrapuzha, and Periyar.

However, the Department clarified that certain issues, such as industrial toxic discharge and encroachments, fall outside its purview, emphasizing that “water” remains a State subject under the Indian Constitution.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.