The Periyar River, the longest and most voluminous river in Kerala, India, has long been a lifeline for millions. It provides essential water for drinking, irrigation, and various industrial activities. However, industrial pollution has severely compromised the river’s health over the years. The unchecked discharge of industrial effluents has transformed the once-pristine waters into a hazardous concoction of chemicals, posing severe risks to the environment and human health.

A significant pollution challenge is evident near the Pathalam Bund area in Eloor, where the concentration of industries is particularly high.

In response to this alarming situation, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) initiated a project to continuously monitor the water quality of the Periyar River. A comprehensive solution was implemented to monitor 13 crucial water quality parameters in real-time, with data uploaded online to the KSPCB server and displayed on a nearby board for public awareness.

This initiative aims to increase transparency and accountability, encouraging industries to comply with environmental regulations and take corrective actions to reduce pollution.

After a comprehensive evaluation, we were honored to be selected for the Periyar River monitoring project. With over 20 years of experience in environmental monitoring and a proven capability in providing river monitoring solutions, we approach every project with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Our goal is to deliver innovative products and solutions that contribute to a safer and greener future.

Throughout the Periyar River project, we encountered various challenges, but our experience enabled us to find effective solutions. Here are some of the key challenges we addressed:

• Volume and Discharge Variability: The Pathalam bund, when opened, releases a significant volume of water, complicating the stability and positioning of the monitoring station.
• Industrial Pollution: The presence of numerous industries in the area results in varied and continuous pollutant discharge, requiring robust and precise monitoring.

• Sensor and software: High-quality and proven sensors from S::CAN Austria are used, along with solar panels and batteries for continuously monitoring river water quality. The data is visualized in software developed by the Aaxis team, Telepro.
• Anchoring Mechanism: To address the fluctuating water levels and discharge challenge, the monitoring station was anchored using two ship anchors, one on each side. This setup ensures stability and allows for adjustments based on the water flow.
• Sensor Calibration: Regular calibration of sensors ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, which is essential for continuous monitoring.

1. Data Collection and Analysis: The continuous stream of water quality data enabled KSPCB to maintain a detailed record of the river’s condition. This information was crucial in identifying pollution sources and trends.
2. Pollution Control: The real-time data helped determine the causes of fish deaths and other ecological impacts, allowing KSPCB to take timely actions. They were able to enforce stricter regulations on nearby industries, reducing pollutant discharge into the river.
3. Public Awareness and Safety: The display board provided the local community with up-to-date information on water quality, raising awareness and ensuring public safety by warning about any breaches in water quality standards.

This continuous monitoring initiative enhanced the understanding of water quality dynamics in the River Periyar and contributed significantly to environmental management and public health safety.
At Aaxis Nano, we aim to create a safer, greener, and better environment through innovative yet accessible solutions. We care about sustainability and strive to give our best in every project we do.