Delivering the inaugural address at a seminar on environment protection organised by the Kerala State Productivity Council here today, Mr. Iyer said that the lifeline of rivers in the State had been affected owing to the pollution caused by industrial units.

He said that instances of water and air pollution were increasing in the State. The quality of water and air has also deteriorated, he added.He said that a concerted effort should be made by the industries, employees and the people to ensure protection of the environment. Mr. Krishna Iyer said that more and more organisations should come forward to support those who would like to file public interest litigations for the welfare of society.

He said that such litigations have the power to bring change in the society.Mr. Krishna Iyer said that the existing laws should be amended to give more powers to the people.This would help them in voicing their opposition against anti-people measures, he said.

He said that rampant corruption was prevalent in the State with even regulatory agencies failing to fulfil their responsibilities.He said that employees have the responsibility to check pollution of the environment. They should also realise the fact that the environment should not be polluted while protecting their interests, he added.

The Chairman of the Kerala State Productivity Council, K.M. Amanulla, and the honorary secretary, K.V.Ramachandran, spoke on the occasion.