Participants at the seminar.
Doha: Chaliyar Doha celebrated ‘Chaliyar Day’ on January 11, the founding day of the organisation and the death anniversary of Chaliyar protection fighter KA Rahman.
Chaliyar Doha President Zameel Abdul Vahid Chaliyam presided over the 8th anniversary function and General Secretary C T Siddiqui Cheruvadi spoke on the subject. ICC Managing Committee member, Aneesh George Mathew inaugurated the seminar saying that love of nature and river protection must be in the mind and activities of every person and we must be ready to change ourselves.
Siddique Vazhakkad, a member of the Chaliyar Doha Advisory Board, described the struggles of K A Rahman, Chaliyar protection fighter, to shut down the Gwalior Rayons Company in Mavoor after the company dumping toxic waste into the Chaliyar.
Koya Kondotty, a socio-cultural activist, spoke on the theme of river conservation, and Dr. Pratibha, a PhD holder in Environmental Microbiology and a researcher at Hamad Medical Corporation, spoke on the scientific basis of the need for sand mining and its crises. Ambara, representative of ‘Nammude Adukkalathottam’ spoke on the theme of eco tourism.
The seminar recommended that prior to issuing permits for sand mining, local geological structures should be scientifically studied and licensed in accordance with scientific criteria to sustain the river’s vitality, and adequate awareness should be provided to those who depend on it for decision making. In order to keep the river alive, the basic facilities required to attract the residents to the river in collaboration with the panchayats should be made. It was emphasised that environmental protection should not be seen as an emotional issue but development should be done in a way that integrates the environment and human beings.
The office bearers also informed that a study report based on the suggestions raised in the debate will be submitted to the Kerala and federal government of India.
The seminar was held at the ICC Ashoka Hall on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of Chaliyar Doha, announcing solidarity with India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations ‘India @ 75 Amritam Mahotsav’.
Layis Kuniyil, Raghunadh Faroke, Dr. Shafeek Tappi, Jauhar Babu, Aziz Cheruvannoor, Sabik Edavanna, Niyas Moorkanad, Abi Chungathara, Jaisal Vazhakkad and Tauseef Malayil Thodi led the seminar. Council members Ilyas Cheruvannoor, Basheer Tuvarikal, Sajas Chaliyam, Sunil Kunnan, Nasser NK, Anas MV, Ameen Kodiyathoor, Haneefa Chaliyam, Dilshad Farook, Rafeeq Karat and Shameer VK were present at the discussion. Chaliyar Doha Treasurer Jabir Beypore proposed vote of thanks.
