KOCHI: Toxic water from burning plastic waste in Brahmapuram flowing through Kadambarayar has threatened the habitat and public health of the Vembanad backwater and Kochi coastal waters. With the help of 25 fire engines and several high-capacity pumps, the water poured into the waste mountain for 12 days and nights is flowing back to Kadambarayar itself.

The ashes here contain traces of toxic gases and other deadly chemicals formed by burning plastic waste. It reaches the river through the water. Most of the concern is about dioxin causing cancer and genetic disorders. The National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram collected the sample to study the presence of dioxin. The report from this is needed to get a complete idea.

Water reaches Vembanad backwater from Kadambarayar through Chitrapuzha and Kaniyampuzha. This water will reach the Pokali paddy fields and shrimp farms in West Kochi. Toxic substances such as dioxin can remain in fish and other aquatic life for long periods of time. It will also affect the lake and coastal habitats. Toxins such as dioxins entering the food chain can have major consequences. It requires thorough and careful study. Currently, the pollution in Vembanad Lake is dangerously high. It will also have to be studied whether the chemical waste from Brahmapuram will spread to the inner areas of the lake.

It is necessary to ascertain whether there is a threat of dioxin. Dioxin in water is more dangerous than in the air. It takes longer to neutralize. Getting to the fish is a serious situation. Water pollution is not monitored like air quality.

- Dr. Anu Gopinath, Asst. Professor, Chemical Oceanography, Kufos, Kochi

Kadambarayar

Length: 27 km
Area: 115 sq km.
Converging streams: 8 nos
Start: Perumbavoor at Arakkapadi
End : Tripunithura Chitrapuzha

Kadambarayar originates from Arakappadi in Perumbavoor. It flows 27 km and falls into Chitrapuzha. Years ago, the areas of Kizhakambalam, Puthankurish, Edathala, Thrikakkara, and Thripunithura were dependent on drinking water to Kadambarayar. Industrial areas like Kinfra, Smart City, Special Economic Zone, etc. depend on Kadambarayar for water but it is in very bad condition since the Brahmapuram plant came up. Kinfra has started the work to bring water directly from Periyar.