Chitrapuzha River
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Chitrapuzha River is a tidal tributary of the Periyar River. It is flowing through the Ernakulam district of Kerala.
It is passing through areas of Irumpanam, Tripunithura, and Kakkanad of Ernakulam district.[1]
Overview
[edit]It runs between industrial hubs like Udyogamandal and Ambalamugal.
The river has about 16 small perennial streams and also 9 canals. It receives water flows from upstream areas of Kadambrayar via Brahmapuram.
Controversies
[edit]The river faces severe stress from heavy industrial and domestic effluent discharges by nearby establishments (such as BPCL Kochi Refinery, FACT, and HOCL).[2]
Studies on the water quality index of Chitrapuzha River indicate that the water is largely unfit for drinking or irrigation due to heavy metal accumulation, low dissolved oxygen, and high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).[3]
Periodic spikes in faecal coliform bacteria (exceeding Central Pollution Control Board bathing limits) and recurring instances of fish kills from industrial sewage discharges have prompted local action councils and residents to demand urgent river rejuvenation.[4]
References
[edit]- ↑ archive, From our online (2012-05-16). "Unhealthy Flows the Kadambrayar, Chitrapuzha". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ Deepa, P. (2014). "Water Quality Index of Chitrapuzha River, Ernamkulam, Kerala, India". International Journal of Environment, Ecology, Family and Urban Studies. 4 (2): 23. doi:10.24247/IJEEFUSAPR20144. ISSN 2250-0065.
- ↑ "Chorus to save Chitrapuzha grows". The Times of India. 2018-02-21. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-09-27.
- ↑ "Faecal contamination exceeds permissible limits in Periyar, Chitrapuzha". The Hindu. 2025-06-24. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2026-09-27.