This field visit focused on data collection for the biological profiling of the Periyar River and the Nirmal Dhara initiative, along with ground verification of the river network in its downstream stretch.

As part of the biological profile data collection, the team visited key fisheries research institutions including the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), and the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR). Interactions with scientists and experts at these institutes provided valuable insights into the fish diversity and aquatic ecosystems and data related to the Periyar River Basin.

Visits were made to the District Industries Centre and both the local and regional offices of the Pollution Control Board for collecting data pertaining to the task – Nirmal Dhara. These engagements offered critical information on pollution sources, water quality concerns, and ongoing mitigation efforts, enhancing our understanding of environmental management strategies in the basin.

The team also travelled through the Eloor–Edayar industrial belt, a major source of pollution within the Periyar River Basin. Further downstream, Aluva was visited—the point where the Periyar bifurcates into two branches: the Mangalapuzha and the Marthanda Varma.

The visit concluded with site assessments at Munambam, where the Mangalapuzha branch meets the Arabian Sea (the first outlet), and Kadamakkudy, where the Marthanda Varma branch flows into the sea (the second outlet), thus marking the end of the river’s journey.