Naval divers commence search for polluting pesticides

KOCHI: A team of specialist Navy divers on Sunday 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.