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: Technical Assistance: K.K.NAIR
INTRODUCTORY-HISTORICAL&SOCIAL REASONS (EVALUATION) N.M.Nampoothiri Man - Land problem - Evaluation of Changes of Habitat Early and medieval period The question of habitat arises in the context of the relations between Man and Land from the earliest Prehistoric period. "The prehistoric cultures and Environment"' of Bharathappula river valley by the famous Archeologist Dr. P. Rajendran has discussed in detail. the problem mainly bringing out the relation of the prehistoric man and his environment in the valley. According to him and various other archaeologists and the list of sites in the "alley prepared by archaeological explorations, it is clear that there existed enormous prehistoric evidences even during the second half of the 19th century AD. But within a short period of 150 years, every thing on the surface of earth related to prehistoric culture have been disappeared. This shows the momentum of changes occurring on the surface of earth in the area is very high in recent days. The study pointed out earlier discusses various problems related to the river valley and its environmental setting. This has to be closely evaluated to find out the areas of early settlements and relation of Man and Land in the valley. But the Man-Land relationship in the historical period is clearly visible in the forgoing discussion on .Socio- cultural evolutions. Even though there won't any instability of the surface of the earth - physio - graphical changes - noted by naked eye. or in the surveys, it must be bear in mind that the cultural evolution had taken place in the area depending on the inputs of physiographic nature of the earth. Here we ha to evaluate the habitat on historical perspective, with the available signifiers related to the land produced by the different evolutionary stages of culture and social formations. All these important historical problems and their relation to the physiographical changes in the valley is not taken up here. It can be done only on the range of changes. visible at present. on the. basic of surveys being conducted by investigations headed by Sri. K.K. Nair, professional Hydrologist. who has taken up investigation voluntarily. The problem is thus to be analysed based on two aspects (1) The analysis of physiographical - Habitat - changes viewed historically through ages. (2) Analysis of the situation based on field data and scientific reports. Change of habitat in historical perspepective The river system is is almost at the centre of the State. It has more than 21 tributaries and it inter connects largest Ghat in the Western Ghats to the Ponnani port on the west. The Port and Ghat were historically of much importance, which enabled maritime trade and the other internal trade. On both ways heavy migration of various groups of people to the valley was possible and it is noted in the historical survey.
Thus heavy migrations and various interests of the migratory groups like promotion of internal and maritime trade, religious activities, agricultural trends created, settlement needs such as houses, tanks, wells, irrigation system etc. on an area consisting of 1000 - 1500 villages in the identified river valley as Nila basin is to be taken as the under current forces which brought physiographical changes in the area. The natural environmental setting of the earth thus changed by settlers of various kinds according to their will and pleasure, without considering the damages done to the physiographic nature of the area. The Geographical area on the banks is less: the pressure of the factor is very high. The situation gradually degenerates the natural setting. This view has to be substantiated properly. The environmental awareness increased only recently due to the growth of environmental sciences in Kerala. The environmentalists and various volunteer organisations who propagate the awareness are taking up the current issues only. But. the dynamism of the historical changes in early days also is to be taken into consideration, to understand the problem at grass root level. The implications of such an "evolutionary out look" based on the socio-cultural activities of early days is necessary to suggest necessary scientific \ays to solve the problems related to habitat. The historical dimensions of the habitat changes and their relations to the socioeconomic activities of the particular area under study is summarized here. The evaluation is based on signifiers seen in the area of historical and cultural aspects. The geographic and topographical settings of the valley will be elaborately discussed in the final report. The geographical nature of the valley on both banks of the river. where nearly more than one thousand villages are distributed reflects a conspicuous nature. The river flows between highly undulated land w-ith hills and hillocks. In certain places the hills rises up to 1500 ft. above MSL. Hence the avail-. ability of plains on both banb is comparatively low in area. The rocky nature of the geological structure in the' hills and hillocks, and high hydraulic gradient are the two factors to be noted. Even natural rivulets. channels and springs on both sides will flow almost all water to the river bed. The nature of the valley close to the river in considerable area coverage reflects these physiographical peculiarities. The undulating nature' and wide spread forests of various types. and the facilities of the river were the general physiographical setting of the prehistoric settlers. The number of identified burial grounds in the valley ranges between 7000-8000. which indicate the centripetal forces towards the river valley. At present. as already noted, very few of them exists. This indirectly shows the interference of man in the valley, utilisation of land for various purposes by removing the sites. The nature of' the setting of early settlers. related to the prehistoric cultural aspects reveal that the forest and river course sustained the life of the area. (See vol I Contents) This reveals the availability of natural resources of forest produces and marine produces. Both the factors are reflected in oral traditions, rituals of aboriginals and folk art forms as well as folk myths. The story of the 12 children of Vararuchi, a later origin give stress on agriculture, occupational groups who live on forest bamboos as well as large scale salt production. The story of a carpenter who was the most genious in carpentry is seen highly praised in far and wide on all parts of Kerala. Another character of the story reveals the futility of digging: wells everywhere in the earth, but success of digging one well, very deeply, revealing some problems related to water sources. Some aspects of a story related to the same character points out some nature of rocky and hilly ,situation. There are enormous observations in oral tradition which reflects the physiographical changes and social changes, which had more stress or civilization rather than cultural dimensions. The distribution of "uur" settlements along with the aboriginal centres of worship and aboriginals settlements as a unit reflects the early inhabitations. The utilisation of land' for various purposes and its impacts of the age old nature can be thus brought out based on intensive analysis of oral tradition and early settlement areas. However, the economic basis of such early time depended mostly upon forest produces ,1I1d marine resources. But the gradual change of topographical features under various kinds of activities are even noticed in the oral traditions. Here arises the differentiation of the problem culture and civilization and ideas related to them. Here in this context, civilisation is viewed as the gradual evolution of external facilities of the life. Toponymycal studies on Calicut reveals that areas with hillocks and undulated land in the proximity to river originates exchange centres. The locations like Tirunavaya, Kulamukku, Patt1mbi. Vaniamkulam etc. reflects .this aspect in the river valley of Nila. These centres had developed to large markets and the centripetal forces of the markets attracted various groups of people from far and wide areas of mainland.. The geopolitical situations emerged out during Chera of Mahodayapuram and later of feudal chieftaincies clearly points out their interests in the area; primarily based on market situations: Enormous toponyms are spread on the banks were ferries, markets and exchange centres are reflected. A toponyms "Naavaya" is seen distributed on the banks. The location Vaniamkulam has two Naavaya set apart with the presence of an angadi or market. 'Naavaya' means 'Port" according to Tamil scholars. and one of its major location is Tiru Naavaya, known widly over South India even in 9th cAD. The place is one of the Yaishnavite centres. with a temple, praised by Alwars. . The situation of enormous markets in villages even to day are ritualistically related to the temples. The temple festivals of the area even today reflects early exchange systems in "Payaniyam" throughout the valley. There are small exchange spots widely distributed and these ,He mobilised related t,) temple festivals or auspicious days. This peculiar exchange system involves padd:i exchange for other items. It is known that the women of aristocratic families, who have no legal right on properties. have the customary right to this "Patiru vaniam" Patiru means paddy and Payaniyam means exchange. Another type of exchange is seen 0n the days of the auspicious day, which is known as vishuvela. Jyotisha or Astrology played a very important role even in Calicut during 14th cAD according to Chinese Traders descriptions.
One of the best examples of this type of exchange system is seen at Vaniamkulam Aryankavu temple. Vaniam represents exchange or people who were traders. Kulam is not the actual toponyms. It was a "Kalam" or storage centre of the chieftain. Aryan, in Kerala context is interpreted as Jaina or Buddhist. "Kaavu" means a worshipping centre of aboriginals and their deities. In later periods the 'Kaavu' had undergone changes. and the centre is seen integrated to the Great culture. This centre became a large internal market or distribution centre even at the time of Cheras of am in the 9th cAD, under the control of a "Nakaram", a Trade corporate body. Even now, on pooram festival "Kutil" emerges out. "Kutil" means an exchange centre arose enormous kutils during pooram, and most of the people go to visit 'Kutil' as a custom. It is very important that Kutil and other exchange spots usually handle indigenous produces, including all kinds of seeds and home utensils. These type of markets are seen ultimately consolidated in to a large "Market Ritual"' under the title "Mamakom" at Tirunavaya by the Zamorins from 13th or 14th cAD. References of Vaishnavites Alwars on Tirunavaya reveals that "Mamakom" was there even in 9th cAD. The combination of Vaishnavite "Bhakti centre" and "Market"' is thus visible. Cheras of Mal1odayapuram, in their inscriptions reveal this type of "Bhakti combined Markets" to serve the purpose of temples. One of the best examples is Tiruvalla temple epigraph. By j 5th cAD, Zamorins also implemented the same at "Varakkal - Putiyannadi" "Temple market" system. It is to be remembered that Cheras and the later chieftaincies stron.gly integrated Curches (Tarisappalli), Jews (Cranganore), Muslims (Muiccunti at Calicut) and Jainas (Tirukkunnavay at Cran£anore) etc. to civilize their life through the act of Bhakti and religious tolerance-Cheras even integrated Saiva groups and Vaishnava groups to serve the purpose in temples with a double colour. "Saivaite vaishnavite" structure. The same is adopted by Zamorin keeping Tali temple of Siva at Calicut, temple of Durga at Valayanatu and temple of Vishnu at Guruvayoor. These are only factors of civilization trend. It seems that the temple is a secondary one to the rulers. The "Market annexed temple" is the actual face. This is seen reflected in various inscriptions of Cheras in and around Calicut where trade groups are mentioned. Cheras inscriptions are noted in some mosques around Calicut port hinter land areas also. Here arises the situation of integration of people in to the river valley. It is noted that by eight or ninth century AD. on the western part of the valley. there arose very powerful original Brahmin settlements like Panniyur Sukapuram. Karanthol. Karikkad arid lsanamangalam A!nng with this '.notice strnng feud between Saiva and Vaishnava groups. reflected through grama kshetrasand otherwise. the Vedic and Tantric cult also strongly emerged in temples and families to conduct yagas spread over the western half of the valley The evidences show that there were Jainas or Budhist groups spread over the valley as a whole. This might have happened in 7th or 8th century AD. because we notice strong Jaina centres at Cranganore. A stronghold of them existed at Alathur, on the southern side of the Palghat gap spreading over the ghat area and Palghat These situations of feuds of larger scale between these three religious sects be seen in Tamilnad during 6th 7th and 8th cAD, and we could expect such feuds on the western side of the Western Ghats. By 10th century AD we note migration of Muttaraya groups, a group of Jaina converted Saivas on the banks of river Ni1a, on eastern half. All these migrating groups gradually settle in the river valley, and in various ways the land utilisation system had changed. Even though there were ports at Ponnani and Cranganore, they existed only up to 12th or 13th cAD. The forest produces as natural resources gradually decreases since the Hew temple system introduced large scale cultivation of paddy and cash crops wherever possible. Spreading of temples and conversion of Kaavu in to temples also gave momentum to deforestation. Spread of feudal families is another reason for deforestation. All these huge structures 1)1' temples and joint family house hold needed large scale wooden structures which in turn helped deforestation. On one hand table lands and valleys were changed over to cultivation. On another hand. the same expansion necessitated deforestation. These activities on the surface of the undulated land gradually helped the water resources to dry up and there was no way to sustain water under the soil and in the natural springs. But no planning was there to restore the natural phenomena of the earth or water resources. These activities gradually increased and the historical evolution of drying up of River Nila became a truth by the middle of the last century. This in a way reveals that there are very crucial historical reasons of utilisation of land, involved in the degeneration of the habitat. . The problem of agricultural activities in later days developed various frictions among the fragmented society in the valley and generated agricultural monuments integrating problems of land ownership, caste. hierarchy etc. It is to be note that two kinds of unrest originated in the valley had accelerated the National movement in the valley and spread over Kerala as strong movement. The outbreak of Mappi1la - Hindu friction was the earliest of them. which started even from the 18th cAD. The agricultural dimension of the friction was a basic reason of such outbreaks. Another movement was based on the problems of depressed class - Communist movements. The river valley produced the National Leaders like K. P. Kesavamenon, E.M.S. Nampoothiri. Thus the basic reasons related to large scale agricultural and land utilisation gradually paved the way for all such activities in the valley. and the pressure of agriculture in the area can be viewed. However, more investigations regarding all these are to be done.
Scientific survey report on the change of habitat - contemporary issues A Volunteer investigator Sri. K.K. Nair (Professional Hydrologist) has been investigating the river valley habitat, deforestation, bio-diversity and water resources of the contemporary period on scientific lines. This will help the protection of the river system also. The volunteer investigator has submitted a summary report in this regard. The same is carried over here Full text is in the download files Environmental problems of Bharathappula river valley To day the cry of pollution is heard from all the nooks and corners of the globe and pollution has become a major challenge of our time. But the problem of pollution is of different types in different places. Here some problems on water resources of Bharathappula puzha river system is the reason, directed to think about it. Rivers are alimented by both. surface and underground water. The quantitative significance of these two water types to river alimentation is controlled by Geomorphic, Climatic and Hydrologic conditions of that region. When natural balance is disturbed by the anthropogenic activities and the co-ordinate reasons, result to dries up the water course. The contributory factor for this state of affairs are I Reduced Infiltration Our state in India had no roads made up of hard surface with far and Concrete But technological developments, industrial growth and its pertinent developments results to the growth in length of tar and concrete roads. As on 1991- 1992 account. the are 8006.48 k.m. length of Tar and Concrete roads in Palghat district. It has been increased in year by year. Length of these roads with average width of 5m Tar and concrete, produced the wide area of impervious layer on the earth surface. Secondly the industrial development. population concentration and its natural growth of buildings in various size for different purpose. providing shelter on the earth. also increasedThe increasing area of impervious layer on the earth surface and the increasing area of shelter produced the reduction in area of rain water infiltration in to the earth. in day by day which in turn reduce the quantity of infiltration in the earth. creates the reduction of sources to the river.
II DEFORESTATION Hence the river-basin had a large area of natural forests with two heads. They are the reserved forest of government and the local forests of private parties. Since using the large area of forest land to some other purposes, a wide area of reserved forests are balanced on the hilly tracts . in northern part of the river basin. Where as, the entire area of private forest in central part of basin width are give ground of the rubber plantations and some other purposes, Depletion of this private forests results to tile reduction of rain fall in central area of the basin width. The season wise analysis of rain fall shows the reduction on quantity of rain fal·1 by the north east monsoon and summer showers. Secondly the area wise analysis shows the reduction on quantity in central area of the basin width, At the same time the scheduled quantity of rain fall gets in hilly tracts on the side extremities of the basin. (See the chapter of climate). The reason for the reduction on quantity of rain fall in central area is the movements of clouds without getting condensation by the absence of natural forests. At the same time the vegetations on the hilly tracts provides the cooling atmosphere, produced the scheduled quantity of rain fall on the extremities of the basin. III CLIMATE As on plate No. 43 in water Atlas of Kerala, the average rain fall scheduled to the river basin is 2300mml. But it had blessed with more quantity of rain fall in 19l8-1981 period where as the quantity of rain fall lowered up to 1822mm in 1982 to 1989. Again it was increased up :to 2560mm in 1992,. Secondly the comparison of rain fail in i 1979 to 1992, with the older period of 1901 to 1907 (the available periods) supports' to the variations on the quantity. Hence there is no reduction on the quantity scheduled by the nature. But some variations are seen on the quantity of rainfall. The season wise analysis disclosed the reduction on the quantity of rain fall in north - east monsoon ,and summer showers. The area wise analysis also shows thereduction on the quantity of rainfall in central area of the basin width, when it compare with the extremities of the basin. As on above south west monsoon has no more changes other than some variations in the quantity But the reduction on the quantity is being occurred in central area of the basin by the north east monsoon and summer showers .The reason for reduction is by the climatographical change by the human activities.In the case of temperature, it has been increased up to 40.6°C. During the period . . . 1901 - 1907 the temperature on Palghat was the average of 34 53°C. But it has been' increased upto to 40°C. In 1993 it was indicated in 40,6°C. Hence it is clear that the temperature in Palg~at district has been increased up to 406°C, is the dangerous sign of climate . IV DENSITY OF WELLS AND TANKS Growth or population, present system of nuclear family life and influence of Gulf money etc .. results to increase the average density of 140 wells/1 km2 for the domestic purposes (Ref. water Atlas of Kerala, by CWRDM, Kozhikode)The industrial development gave birth to the 48 major industries and 6625 small scale industries in Palghat district creates own ways to meet their water requirements.The Green revolution policy of governments reasoning to derivate 5919 private wells and 5701 tanks in Palghat district. In addition to these the total number of wells, required to irrigate 10400 hectares of land is also derivated by the dug well scheme of minor irrigation in Palghat district .Now a days constructing a bore well in house compound is considered as a status, results to the growth in number of bore wells. It is to be noticed that the number of wells and tanks have been increased in year by year, where as, the quantity of rain fall and the area of infiltration etc. have been reduced. Secondary the entire water of that area decent into the earth h8S been extracted through the countless number of wells and the tanks The excessive extraction and reduction of rain water infiltration into the earth give rise to the seasonal draughts in the rive basin, after-effects to the desiccation of river before the summerAccording to the statement by the CWRDM, Kozhikode, the storage of ground water in Kerala is average 6732km3 out of this 1 082.5km3 water has already used. The balance 5650 km3 has been depleted. V GROUND WATER EXPLOITATION FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES The competitive construction activities creating problems on ground water resources, because water is the most requisite ingredient and the quantity which required more. It is very difficult to find out the actual quantity of water which -has been used in the construction works in a year. Because the quantity on usage of water is varied by the size and type of work, time taken to the completions and the season of work conducted. But the trend in growth of building gives an idea about the quantity of water used for the construction in a year. The bulk quantity of water, used for this works are mostly taken out through the wells and tanks, is an un accountable extraction from the earth, is very serious to think about it VI LOSS OF NATURAL SPRINGS Once the basin had a number of natural springs, which had supplied the water to the third crop of paddy cultivation in Valleys low a days most of them are drying up before the second harvest. In this connection I had done a direct investigation on number of springs in the cluster of ten Panchayath: in Palghat district. Out of these, the notable twenty five numbers are bring to light here. As on the knowledge of some senior citizens, the area of tens springs had no forest. Even then they flowed incessantly till the time. But nowadays they are drying up before the summer. By the studies, it can be understood that some of wells in this areas are constructed in the crucial point of water transit which interrupt the water passage, and this water is reasoning to re-charge into the wells, are taken out by different size of pump sets create the desiccation of these springs before the summer. The area of other five springs had a local forests, in upper parts, give-ground to rubber plantations, produced the evaporation losses, leads to the seasonal desiccation. Diversion of ground water is a natural case, due to the force of vibration by the seismogenic activities, mining works and the lightning effects. This is the reason on two springs, whereas the loss of vegetative cover and the derivation of the wells on the crucial points are the reasons for the other three springs. From the :time immemorial there in no forest or any other types of vegetative cover on the location of other five springs. Even them they are keeping their status till the time, because there is no wells or other: obstacles on the water transition of these springs. Therefore, it is only a suggestion that the derivation of wells on crucial points on the water transits and conversion of natural forest to the rubber plantation are the main reasons to the desiccation of existing springs on the river basin. VII BLOCKADE OF SOURCES In the name of development almost all sources of the river have been blocked by constructing eleven big dams in different location on the river-head. Total storing capacity of these dams are 651.61 m3 of water. After storing the capable quantity of water the dams are closed. Therefore the water, which can be stored by these dams, is being blocked and diverted through the canals. Besides this, the remaining water on the upper area of the dams are also diverted through the canals by the darns. Hence the entire water on the upper region except the over flows of dams by the particular reason; are being blocked and diverted through the canals, produced the reduction of sources to the river. VIII DENSITY OF WELLS ON THE RIVER-BED In summer, many of the streams may be dried up with no surface water flows.But they may carry an appreciable quantity of water as under flows, depending upon whether the flow is under non artisian condition or artesian conditions. It may be classified as under flow channels or under flow conduis. In Bharathappula Puzha the sources which flows as an under flow channels has been taken by constructing number of wells across the river-bed in a chain age system, at different locations on the river length, after-effects to the desiccation of river before the slimmer. IX DERIVATION OF DEEP-MOST CANALS The studies about the irrigation canals in North India concluded that the regional water table has been raised. Where as in river basin it is otherwise. The canals constructed from the dams dissects the hillocks in number of locations. The deep most cutting of canals produced the breakage en water transit in the hills. Therefore the water infiltrated into the sub-surface is being discharged through the canals. Hence the relation between the surface drainage and underground drainage are varied. The; entire earth of that type is drying up before the summer, reasoning to dries up the water course to the river. X MINING ACTIVITIES Our state in India has not yet been advanced in large scale mining activities other them the production of boulders and meta is for construction works and the lime stone for cement production which are comes under the group of open-cast mining. As a matter of fact these small scale mining activities are also creating problems on the earth . . As on direct investigation neatly thousand quarries are working in Palghat district. But only few of them have license .The increase in number of quarries and the daily use of high power explosives, produced the ch:3ir: of vibration on the earth surface. Intensity of these vibrations loosened the natural! Compactness of the earth crust, give-birth to the weathering effects and exposing old cracks and joints on the surface. Such a type of places numerous ~ours are visible at the time of imploring and are drying up along with the fare-well, because before getting infiltrations into the deeper level. the precipitated water flows out through the cracks and ·joints. Therefore. the total quantity of infiltration has been reduced and hence after-effects to desiccate the location before the summer, leading to the reduction of sources to the river. Scientific evidence about the impact of quarries are not available. It is prepared by the idea about the intensity of vibrations by the velocity of longitudinal waves through the various soil by the action of force and by the knowledge of experienced workers as well as my hereditary knowledge in under ground and open cast mines and also the experience in water diverging with he assistance of electronic instruments. XI FIRE WORKS IN FESTIVAL GROUNDS The yearly conducting festivals, related to the religious service's is the part of our cultures and heritage The large quantity of explosives, each one having average of 100 kg weights are used in the completive fires works in festival grounds. Therefore, the force which act on the ground to rise up this huge explosives at an altitude of average 25 mts are produced the local level vibrations. The recordical evidence about the 3ccurate number of festivals are not available,but thousands of festivals are being celebrated in Palghat district. The fire works in chain age of these festivals with the systems of celebrating in different places in a day, produced the perpetual disturbance of local level vibrations. These vibrations are reasoning to loss the natural! compactness of earth surface which needs to more weathering effects and to the reduction in quantity of rainwater inflltrati0n into the earth by the reasons as described in :previous chapter "Mining activities". XII INDISCRIMINATIVE METHOD OF BLASTERING WORKS - IN WELLS Without getting knowledge on blastering works, many of the local peoples engaged in the works of rock blistering in wells. The indiscriminative method of rock blastering with using excessive quantity of high power explosives, results to expose the layer joints in the bottom of wells. Therefore, the water, re-charged into the wells are discharged through the exposed layer joints in down word portions of the weils. (Prepared by the knowledge of experienced persons engaged in the field of blastering works in wells). XIII HISTORIC EVENTS - ASSOCIATED WITH RIVER. Recently while digging open wells In some places along with the areas in Kumbidi, Anakkara; Purathur and Chamrevattom etcon both sides in lower part of river the timber in various stages of decay in seeing remain buried in this locations. In this connections! visited the number of sites by the request of locals. For the detailed studies, the main parts of the deep-drawn logs are not available there to the laboratory test. So that, I had done the conventional methodologies of studies with balanced part of woods. In these studies some aspects such as the matter of log in: formative stage, time taken to get the stage in 50 to 60% as coal and to get the depth of earth average 6ms buried the logs, uniformity in burial of wood in a same directions parallel to the layers of earth. The thickness of soil layers and its stratification in parallel to the flow of river are clearly shows the possibility of continuous inundation:, with a severe earthquake in thousands of years before, may be subjected to buildup the weak zone and sharp turns in course of the river. XIV. WELL KNOWN TECTONIC STRUCTURE Associations WITH BHARATHAPPUZHA A large tectonic/geomorphic structure, stretches from enlist to westcost of South India. This structure considered as a major shear-zone passes through the Palghat gap in Kerala.The east west orientation of this geomorphic feature including the Bharathappuzha is in general agreement with the trend of the structure. While the Coimbatore earth Quake in 1900 which occurred in eastern side of Palghat gap, the Wadakkancheri earth quake sequence 2.1 in 1994 originated in western extremity of this structure occur vicinity of the rectangular turn 0f Bharathappuzha near Desamangalam. The scientists, centre for earth science studies TVM who had done the investigation believes that the zone defined by sharp turn of the river has been the site of some previous deformation in past may be thousands of years ego. The scientists of this centre are also forecast the potential to generate the large earth quake with in the confines of Palghat gap in future –( Ref "A report on December 2nd 19~14 Wedakkencheri Earth Quake" - seismic activity in Kerala and the neighboring areas (2) Research communications Vol - 70, low-moderate seismicity in vicinity of Palghat gap in South India and it Implications.) The seismogenic tendency of of the well knows tectonic structure and its associations with the river as well as the historic events associates with the river etc. shows the trend of micro earth quakes on the river basin . . A.s a result It of the frequent earth quake and rock falis the relations between the surface drainage and under ground drainage are varied. This give room to differential :differential process to take place XV BRICK WORKS Floods are the natural activities of the rivers caused by the act of the dynamical agencies of nature. During floods the streams commonly over flows their channels. The area on both sides of the~ river which has been formed by flood time river deposits are called flood-plains. The brick earth, brick clay and the other mineral deposits of the river provides fertility to this flood-plains. The flood-plains and the growth of vegetation on this deposits produce coverage to the earth The brick clay, the most suitable soil for the brickworks are taken in large scale from the flood-plains deposits along the river length. The continuous removal of the natural cover, reasoning to charge the topography and losing the fertility and coverage 0' the earth. The removal of these coverage produced high temperature on earth, and more evaporation through the small holes, opened in the earth The temperature :from the brick field and brick kilns are reasons to the flow of brick fielder on the vicinity. Evaporation from land reduced the seepages into the river resulting to the increases. As a result of the population growth and their cultural developments the temperature has been increased year by year causing more evaporation. The land evaporation is topography, structure of earth, depth of ground water table, lack of plant caver etc, as dealt in previous chapter are causing' more evaporationTranspiration from terrestrial surface is quite natural. But the emergent vegetation an river basin has been a major factor in drying up the river, (of Water resources and Hydrology by Santhosh Kumar Garg 1979 third edition) XVI ABSENCE OF FLOOD In alder. days frequent floods are natural in Bharathappuzha by the; Continuous and heavy rainfalls. According to. the Information's received from aged informants; floods on 1919, 1924 and 1941 are mast important. But from '1941 onwards their; is no . such a frequent flood as in olden days due to. the failure of the periodical rainfalls by the monsoons and the blockage: of sources at different locations of the same r IV( 'r, which stopped the cyclic process of, the geological work of running water (i e. depositing the sediments, the removal the same and again depositing and removing) Absence the of this cyclic process in a ling period the river basin became filled with the sedimentary deposits and organic materials .these deposits will fill the volume and soil is formed at the edges and terrestrial grasses and shrubs become established The sedges and shrubs. first established In the middle part of the: river spread to downward direction of the river by means of dispersal movements. The inorganic chemical fertilizers which- flowed from the vicinity to. the river defecation of human being and as well as by gracing animals provide the nutrients far the growth of f these emergent sedges and shrubs: In addition to. this the plantation of trees and agricultural system on the river-bed are reasoning to the spread on the river, reduction of sources into the river. (Written by relation with such a place and the direct observation). XVII EVAPORATION . In olden days there was no complaint about the evaporation from the water surface of the rivers. But now-a-days evaporation resulting to desiccate the rivers are as follows. The amount of evaporation is directly proportional to the area of evaporation. If the exposed area is large the evaporation will be more and vice-versa. The catchment area of the Bharathappuzha including Tamilnadu is 6189 square km. Within the length of 255 km. therefore having more evaporation. But in olden days the evaporation did not affect the river as a result of the prompt supply of rains by the monsoons and the summer rams. Evaporation rate is much influenced by depth of water. In summer season the temperature of the entire body of water in shallow lake and watered river will rise and hence more evaporation will take place. But on deep lake or in highly flowing river the temperature of water will remain much less than that of existing air which will reduce the evaporation from deep lake or highly flowing river (According to Delton's Law). Now-a-days our river is dried up immediate after the rainy season I resulting to produce more evaporation from the riverThe process of evaporation also depends upon the prevailing turbulence in the air. The turbulence of wind which is coming 1(,rough the Palghat gap of Western Ghats is more in summer. Therefore the velocity of the air in-contact with the water surface of the river is more. The saturated film of air containing the water vapours will move easily and the diffusion and dispersion of vapour will become easier, causing more evaporation The effect of wind velocity is:, a peculiarity of the river Nila. the process of evaporation is also depends upon the temperature. If the temperature is more the saturation vapour, pressure increases and the evaporation XVIII INDISCRIMINATE ACTIONS ON RIVER-BED It is the general opinion that taking sand from the river valley is the main reason to pollute river. H is not scientifically proved. But almost all the rivers in India have already completed the last stage. The river valley has become practically flat and shallower. The lower part of the river, has been completely filled by the deposits from now flowing very slowly frequently over flooding causes erosion of sides. Therefore, taking this: deposit from the river-bed is necessary to protect the river from the side erosion and widening through the accidental floods in future. Secondly, the average of 3,88,918.9 MT Sediments including 23,0766.7 MT Coarsegrain sand 35,176.87 MT .Medium sand and 3,30,665.35 MT Fine grain sand have been transported through the river. This is exclusive of the sediments taken by the lorry service and by the head loads. Thirdly, it is also noted that some river which no sand is; removed get dried ·up immediately after rainy season Fourthly excessive erosion :..and siltation of riverbed is changing the regional hydro-dynamic. Therefore it js clear that taking sand from Cle river base is not the reason to pollute the river .In upper and middle part, wherever the river flowing flat, there sediments like coarse grains and medium size are formed in certain heights. Instead of cleaning the river-bed by taking the yearly deposits of different qualities, the persons who are engaged in profession of sand taking are taking the deposits according to their own convenience is against the scientific method. This indiscriminate method of sand taking is reasoning to produce the numberless sand heaps and channels in river b3SP. which provides the facilities to the growth of vegetation. The lower part of the river is completely filled with the sediments and the river is flowing sluggishly. instead of cleaning the river base by removing the existing sand flats first the persons who are engaged in the profession of sand taking, concentrate their activities on the sporadic deposits. This irresponsible method of sand taking produce the diversion on the flow of the river, reasoning to uplift more and more sand fills on the basin which provides facilities to the conversion of this existing sand-flats into mud flats. These converting mud-flats encouraged the anthropogenic to the plantation of trees and agriculture on the river base, reasoning to spoil the originality of the river. As on the above reference it is clear that th0 above mentioned matters are the reasons results to destroy the purity in originality of the river. Therefore she could not serve any purpose for which a river is meant. But according to the data of water analysis that the river has .no such a menacing water pollution, at present. The pollution affects only on the body of the river. So it can be called or named as "RIVER POLLUTION". Secondly till ~he time th8re is no such a pollution Oil the body of the river other than water pollution. Therefore river pollution is a new and growing chapter in the subject of environmental science. The birth, growth and death is a law of nature. The death of a culture give birth to a new culture. If it is through the natural process it is more effective and realizable. But if it is through the man-made process it will be h3rmful, less effective, unrealizable and artificial. This lead to the displacement of the balance of nature, that is what is taking place here. Therefore, there is an immediate rise to take the effective measures to protect the river. According to the Ganga Action Plan 1985 the cleaning of Ganga is started with two phase In the first phase cleaning of tile basin of Ganga only In the second phase, cleaning of the tributaries of Ganga. Tf'iS plan is also going to be merged with. the national river action plan which deal with the cleaning of the rivers 8f India. Therefore it will take time to get the benefits of the action plan in or for our river. But before getting this benefits, she may die with the River Pollution, a cankerous disease, because river pollution is more dangerous than water pollution. Therefore the priority must be given to the river pollution. Secondly, the question of water pollution arise only on the flowing rivers. XIX PROTECTIVE MEASURES Conservation of a river is a crying need. but development and pollution control are equally important. There for in future al! the all the development programmers must be drawn up by the anticipation/of preservation It can be achieved by the following measures. Before conserving the river we must have to conserve the vicinity of the river first because the deforestation and soil erosion are the important reasons to pollute the river. Therefore we must have to stop the destruction of forest and the indiscriminate actions for reasoning to the soil erosion forcibly by the stringent law and order instead of simply passing them. To bring back the originality of the river, first and foremost procedure is the annihilation of existing vegetable kingdoms and make the river base into fattish by removing the existing mud-flats for settling the sediments such as sand and slit etc Safety against the sliding is generally insured by grassing or proper planting of vegetation on the bank of the river and constructing reinforced cement concrete or masonry retaining wall at the weak portion along the sides. Uncontrollable excavation of sand, clay or any other deposits either by undercutting of the side banks or from the sides of the river banks should be stopped by the stringent law and order. Overgrazing of the livestock should be avoided by strict actions. But the environmental knowledge of the people and active and sincere co-operation are most essential. To reduce the discharge of chemical fertilizer into the river, use animal wastes and municipal sewages as fertilizer instead of using more and more chemical fertilizer. For storing the excessive flowing water through the river, construct number of reservoirs or subsurface dams at suitable places. The Sand and silt are the most important ingredients in the technological period of the world. Purified sand is available only from the river valley of particular rivers But as a result of increasing demand of these sediments, shortage of rainfall, absence of continuous flow through the river definitely the scarcity of sand will result within a short period. Therefore, it is an urgent need to adopt a technical! system to take the unnecessary flowing sediments: without any prejudice to the river in future. If the auctioning system of sand taking is continued it will be dangerous to the river because the exploitation mentality and indiscriminate action of human being will destroy the river more in future Therefore: it is better to adopt a scientific way of sand taking under the control of experts of this field The better way of sand taking is sand-mining or a project. SAND MINING Scientific method of sand taking from the river beds comes in' a category of open-cast mining .. But it has some difference from the other open-cast mining principles of metalliferous or Non-metalliferous mines. The main task in sand mining projects are (1) The quantitative qualitative, quantitative 'and volumetric analysis of the products settled in particular locations at the time of intervals. (2) Identifying the localities from where ever the particular products of sand can be taken, should be taken and should not be taken in particular period. (3) How much quantity can be taken, should be taken and should not be taken and· how to take the products from the particular locations on the river bed. Therefore, process of winning the products of sand from the river bed and scientific and systematic way to the development of Nation is called 'Solid-Mining on the river bed.I n the case of sand mining the deposits (Accumulation of useful minerals in earth crust is called as deposit) are yearly settling products of erosion formed of the cyclic process of the geological work of running water. Therefore, the blastering works or any other process to the removal of over burden, the interrelated technological unit operations to the transportation and the reprocess in factories, etc. are not needed. The use of efficient labours are not necessary for the mining operation. It has not more danger as in other mining activities and it is free from the pollution to the nature. Naturally the deposits which are taken once will not replenished in life time. But the products of sand and silt which are taken from the river bed will be replenished by the geological work of running the water. the river will be free from the over siltation which reasoning to the frequently over flooding and also free from changing the regional hydro-dynamics which results to the micro- earth quakes in vicinity The river will become flattish by removing the existing vegetations, sand-heaps and the mud flats etc., through the mining activities. Thus the river can bring back to her originality and she can serve to the Nature for which a river is meant. (see Vaniamkulam Vijaneeyam). ___________________________________________________________ HABITAT ___________________________________________________________ A pioneering work Conducted in Water resources studies by K.K.Nair under the principal investigator of UGC project" cultural geography and habitat of Bharathappula”, Environmental Problemsofwaterre Vol V sources BharathappulaRiver System Chapters:1Background of the Study2.Concept of the termRIVER.3.Geomorphologyof Bharatappuzha.4. Dicernible changes on the earth surface 5. Chain of vibration on earth surface 6. Climate.7. Hydrological Condition 8.Indiscriminate action on river bed 9. Absence of flood10.Overall summary 11.Conclusion 12.Protective Measures Photos /Tables /Figures _________________________________________________________ Possibility to Project of Vol VI Sand mining on Bharathappula 1.Preface 2. Introduction 3,efinition and Classification of Sand 4. Physical condition of the River basin 5.Availabilityof Sand 6arketing Facilities 7.Technology on mining 8.Economicalassessment9.Invironmentalassessment10.OverallSummaryandConclusion11.Suggestion12.Recommendation Part 1, Tables, Maps & Figures 1.Growth rate of SSI unit in Palakkad 2.Data of Institutional Buildings-Industrial growth 3.Classifications of RCC Buildings 4.Density of Buildings in a cluster of Panchayats 5.Distribution of Roads and Road System 6.Area of Reserved Forest as on June 1913 7.ForestArea-1991 8.Area wise Rainfall eased on 24 Selected Stations Propagation of velocity of longitudinal waves in seven categories of soil 9.Earth Quake in Association with Bharathappula 10.Temperature and Climate Changes 11.Mean temperature of Palakkad and Malampula (1993- 1999) 12 Annual Rainfall and Stream flow of Selected 20 rivers in Kerala13 . Mean annual rainy days - Bharatappula River Basin Two tables 14Comparison of rainfall 1901-1909 and 1979–1992 15.Variation of season wise rainfall on Bharathappula Basin 24 stations 1989-92.16.Area wise rainfall- 24 selected locations 17.Mean wind speed on Malampuzha and Pattambi 18.Details of Dams on Bharathappuzha basin 19.Losing of springs in a cluster of 10 Panchayaths 20.Data of sediment transportable through the Kumbidi 21.River water analysis Location Kumbidi Part II Tables, Maps & Figures 1 Sand Mining Project 2.Size of individual particles 1951 survey3.Mean temperature of Palakkad 2000 survey.4.Mean speed of wind Malampuzla & Pattambi 91-93.5.Annual Rainfall- Twenty rivers in kerala 6.Mean annual rainy days Palakkad &Malampuzha7 Annual rainfall in the basin 1979-1992 8.Details of dams in the basin 9 Annual water dicharge Kumbidi -1993 10.Data about the Auctioned amount of sand '1989-1994 11.Data about the centre-permits of sand drawal.12.Data-Transport of sediment 1993.13.Paper reports Location of illegal sand drawl data.14.Growth of SSI units in Palakkad .15. Data of institutional Buildings pertaining to industrial growth. 16.Density of Buildings in Seven Panchayaths.17.Area wise Classification of sand products produced in 1999. 18.Identification of sites -1999_19.Determination of quantity1999. 20.Bharathappuzha Basin. Palakkad gap-measurements. 21.Hydraulic gradient ofB Bharathappuzha. Figures Bharathappuzha Basin. Palakkad - measurements…Hydraulic gradient: Diagram - Blockage of water ways. Regional Physiographical Map' contour-map 1palakkad gap 2wadakkamchery earth quake 1994 Relationship between area and underground Drainage basins. (1) Theoretical - (2) Practical- Regional Nila basin. Diagram showing wells - water transit
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