KSRTC locks horns with district administration

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite strict orders from the Kerala State Human Rights Commission, revenue department and district administration refuse to evict illegal shops in front of the Fort Wall near Pazhavangadi temple.

The collector, who axed all critical encroachments at East Fort standing over the Pazhavangadi drain, has failed to clear other encroachments marring the view  of the heritage Fort Wall, which too is standing in the way of road widening.

A senior official said around 73.5 cents, including the bus shelter, belongs to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

“We have the title deeds but the revenue authorities are not letting us pay land tax citing petty issues. The authorities are trying to protect illegal traders on our land,” officials said.

“We are sure that they have taken bribes. Otherwise why should they delay action despite directions from the commission. We have given our explanation to the commission”.

The KSRTC is unable to seek legal intervention because of the non-payment of tax.

“We claimed the title deeds from the village office very recently. We are sure that the revenue authorities have vested interest,” said the official.

The plan of the KSRTC is to construct a double bus bay at the spot so that buses are not parked on the roads.

“So many accidents are happening and people are being killed on the roads. The district administration should act in similar fashion like they are doing now to clear encroachments over drains,” said the official.