Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Take Steps To Protect The Bio-Diversity Of Pampa River  Basin In Kerala. on 2 December, 2010
> Title : Need to take steps to protect the Bio-diversity of Pampa river basin in Kerala.
SHRI ANTO ANTONY (PATHANAMATHITTA): I take this opportunity to request the Government to declare Pampa river as a Biodiversity Heritage Site in accordance with the provisions of the Biodiversity Act, 2002 and formulate an action plan to protect the Biodiversity in the river basin. River Pampa is unique in its socio-cultural-religion and ecological significance. Due to its affinity with the Holy Shrine Sabarimala, River Pampa is known as Dakshin Ganga. The Pampa River Basin comprises Periyar Tiger Reserve and Achenkovil Forest Divisions in the Western Ghats. It is one of the water sources of Pathanammthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts in Kerala. As per reports, 40 lakhs people depend on this river for various needs. Despite these factors, Pampa river is shrinking in size due to pollution. As a result, the Biodiversity and the Hydrological terrain of Pampa Basin is facing threat. I, therefore, request the Government to take immediate measures to protect this Holy River.