Background and TimelineA background of the issue and key events A chronological summary (Time-line) of events on when Chalakudy Puzha Samrakshana Samithi (CPSS) was formed and different Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) were done, public hearings held and resulting protests..................... |
Biodiversity of the proposed dam site The Athirappilly riverine forests are diverse in plant and animal life and should be accorded high levels of protection. This region is home to the endangered Malabar pied hornbill, Cane Turtle, Travancore flying squirrel and many more...
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Another dam, another issue Another of Kerala State Electricity Board's proposals is the Pathrakadavu Hydro-electric Project to be located bordering the famous Silent Valley National Park. The forests that were saved from a power project more than two decades ago are threatened once more... |
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Groups and persons involved in the struggle
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The Athirappilly and Vazhachal Falls along the Chalakudy river in the Vazhachal Forest Division, Thrissur District, Kerala
Summary
Athirappilly - Vazhachal area in the southern Western Ghats of Kerala hosts a unique ecosystem of evergreen, riverine forests intermingled with Myristica swamps. This ecosystem supports a large number of endemic, rare, threatened and endangered species of plants and animals. While science is still discovering many new species from the area, a hydro-electric project threatens to wipe out these forests. While many individuals and groups in the affected region have been campaigning against this dam, including a 90 days satyagraha by the local people,the problem seems to be little known to people outside this region. The Chalakudy Puzha Samrakshana Samithi and the Chalakudy River Protection Forum have been at the forefront of much of the protests and activities against the dam with limited resources. Sálim Ali Foundation has recently joined hands with them to help the cause. This web-site aims to collate all available information on the dam and to aid in the efforts. Read on to understand the issue and to participate in saving our precious biodiversity.
- Loss of a unique ecosystem
- Loss of several endemic species
- Loss of ecological functions and characters of the river system
- Impact on drinking water and agriculture downstream
- Impact on tribal population
Chalakudy Puzha Samrakshana Samithi
The Chalakudy Puzha Samrakshana Samithi was born in 1986 and is comprised of persons who share concern for our ecological future. The Samithi carried out field visits along the various tributaries of the river basin for better understanding of the river basin, sharing the information with the public, campaign against proposed projects like the Athirappilly Hydro Electric Project, Poringalkuthu Right Bank HEPs, the Karappara- Kuriarkutty multipurpose project, the Edamalayar Augmentation scheme etc, which were believed, would further lead to the deterioration of river health. The Samithi has been the most active group protesting the dam, and more information regarding their activities and efforts towards the Athirappilly dam can be found here.