Pandalam: With the cleaning works under the AMRUT project nearing completion in the Muttar stream, there is a growing demand to explore the potential of launching water-based activities such as coracle rides and boating.

The cleaning efforts are almost complete along the stretch from the Kurunthottayam Bridge to the Muttar Bridge, and the stream is relatively wide in the area between the market and the Muttar Bridge. With the successful removal of mud and sediment by the authorities, the section now resembles a large water body. Locals suggest that a tourism initiative focusing on this area could be a promising opportunity.

Meanwhile, cleaning works are still progressing on the eastern portions of the stream starting from the Kurunthottayam Bridge. Although the Muttar stream conservation project had been proposed on earlier occasions too, implementation has only begun in earnest now. While the current project may not completely restore the water body, it has significantly helped in clearing the stream, which was once choked with garbage.

If the construction of protective walls is completed on time and without issues, it could lay the groundwork for launching a full-fledged tourism project. Authorities have confirmed that initial discussions for such a venture have already begun. The current cleaning operation is being carried out in two phases at a total cost of ₹5 lakh.

Waste fetches ₹8 per kilogram!
As part of the ongoing cleaning drive, several tonnes of waste have been removed from the streambed, including massive heaps of plastic. The Pandalam Municipality has now arrived at an agreement to hand over this waste to the Clean Kerala Company.

The authorities are considering charging a rate of ₹8 per kilogram for the collected waste. However, since the waste has been removed along with large amounts of mud, handing it over in this mixed form could lead to financial losses for the municipality. Despite this, officials have decided to hand over the waste without fully segregating it, citing the impracticality of separating plastic from mud at such a large scale. Nevertheless, they intend to remove as much mud as possible before handing over the material to Clean Kerala.