Naval divers commence search for polluting pesticides

Kochi: A team of specialist Navy divers today
commenced diving operations in Rayarom river near Alakkode in
Kannur to remove bags of polluting pesticides and insecticides
dumped there.

The team, comprising seven divers and a two-member
medical team, wore special gear during their dives to protect
themselves from possible ill effects of the pesticides, a
Naval press release said.

The divers will also search and sanitise the river a few
kilometers downstream, it said.

The pollution came to light when some local people who
went for a swim in the river developed exhaustion and itching.

The products were cleared from a closed pesticide godown
and dumped into the river on August 1.

PTI