The annual celebrations of the Council, are occasions for
disseminating information about the rivers, the problems they face,
and the solutions required. The celebrations are held in various part
of the State.The first one was held at Karupadanna (Trichur District),
the second at Trivandrum (Trivandrum District) and the 3rd one at
Piravom in (Ernakulam District). A full day scientific seminar is the
important item of the celebrations. Exhibitions competitions and
intensive discussions are also part of the clelebrations. Special
seminars are also held at various places. Besides participation in the
seminars, held by member councils or other organisations interested
in river protection, is also a regular feature. The office bearers of
the council participated in the seminar/workshop organised by All
India River Net Work - Kerala Chapter held at Nilampur, by Pampa
Parirakshana Samithy (PPS) at Thiruvalla, by Vistas at Karupadanna,
and by the Limonological Association of kerala , at Chalakudy. The
AKRPC is also an active participant of the Nandivandanam Programme,
organised by the Swadeshi Science Movement. This programme helped to
create mass awareness throughout the State about the need to protect
the rivers.
Study of rivers - A questionnaire containing about 40 questions
(besides general information) in the local language, prepared by the
president of Meenachil, Nadeesamrakshana Samithy (Dr.S.Ramachandran) for
students to collect detailed information about the river banks, riberbed,
fish available, utilisation, of land along river banks etc.
has been successfully used by the Samithy for the field work by students
during vacations. Efforts are on to conduct similar studies about other
rivers by utilising the services of students.
Questionnaire
Journal- As part of the Educational Programme, AKRPC has
started a quarterly journal named "Jalatharangam" in March 2001. This
has proved a powerful tool to express the samithy's views on current
issues affecting the rivers, to spread knowledge about all aspects of
rivers, and the need and role of the common man to protect rivers
etc. The journal has earned encomiums from leading national
Newspapers and academic circles.
Other publications - The Samithy brought out a book-let entitled
'River Protection to solve drinking water shortag.' This was authored
by the president and Joint Secretary of the Samithy. The same authors
prepared another book on 'Drinking Water shortage and Rain Water
harvesting'. This has been published by another agency. Pamphelets
relating to conservaion and management of water, in local language
for the common man are also brought out.
Other activities - To persuade the Government to take
necessary steps to protect rivers and the riverine ecosystem.