Environmental Consequences of Hydro Project in Athirapally (DTE 1 - 15 July 2019)

Environmental Consequences of Hydro Project in Athirapally

  • Controversial Athirapally Hydro Electric Project.
  • Chalakudy River, Thrissur district, Kerala.
  • Work is to be started after getting environmental clearance from the centre.
  • This project will be the seventh dam along the 145-km river course.
  • Sound the death knell for endemic species of flora and fauna in the Athirapally-Vazhachal region.
  • This power project is expected to affect the ecology of the fragile river ecosystem according to the heads of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.
  • This project would wipe out the majestic Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls which draw 0.6 million domestic and foreign tourists every year.
  • It may also affect the vital elephant corridor between the Parambikulam sanctuary and Pooyamkutty forests.

The forest is home to

  • Hornbills
  • Tigers
  • Leopards
  • Nilgiri Langur
  • The lion-tailed macaque
  • The rare Cochin forest cane turtle

Examrace Team at Aug 25, 2021