2024-08-31

The Meenachil-Meenanthara-Kodoor River Rejoining Project is dedicated to conserving the Meenachil River by revitalizing its watershed and restoring its tributaries through active community involvement. Launched on August 28, 2017, this initiative focuses on restoring the first to third-order streams of the Meenachil, Meenantharayar, and Kodoorar rivers. To date, approximately 1,650 kilometers of streams have been restored, 5,600 acres of fallow land have been revived with paddy cultivation, and five unique water tourism spots have been developed with a focus on sustainable, community-owned tourism.

The Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) is proud to serve as the technical partner, supporting the project's development and documentation. This collaborative effort brings together farmers, bureaucrats, and other community stakeholders to work in unison.

The 7th Annual Meeting of the project took place on August 31, 2024, and was inaugurated by Dr. Sunil P. Ilayidam, a renowned writer, critic, and orator. In his address, Dr. Ilayidam emphasized the critical importance of preserving natural resources for future generations. He highlighted that the river rejoining project is a prime example of vital social interventions and stressed that many of today's global challenges stem from human irresponsibility. He urged the need to instill the values of environmental conservation in future generations to ensure the earth's ability to support life.

Dr. Thomas Issac, former Finance Minister of Kerala, provided a felicitation, recalling the projects initiated during his tenure and underscoring the importance of sustaining and replicating this movement in other regions. The event was presided over by Dr. Jacob George. Additional speakers included Adv. K. Anil Kumar, coordinator of the movement; Dr. Punnen Kurian, Director of TIES; Adv. Sheeja Anil; Dr. K. George; B. Sasikumar; and Abraham Kurian.