Eviction drive spares affluent
Encroachment on Pathrakulam remains untouched
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ‘Operation Anantha’ — the eviction drive launched by the Chief Secretary to resolve the recurring flooding at Thampanoor and East Fort — has marched ahead knocking down residential structures which were constructed over the drains. But when it comes to high- profile encroachers, the system seems to slow down a bit.
Not a single encroacher in the Fort region, who has constructed commercial establishments over the drainage networks and encro-ached on public land, was issued an eviction notice.
According to reports, a full-fledged drainage network runs beneath commercial complexes, including the residence of bar owner Biju Ramesh.
Revenue authorities have launched a field survey to find out the drainage network from the canal flowing near the Pazhavangadi temple.
When asked about this, revenue secretary K. Suresh Kumar said that ‘Operation Anantha’ was not an eviction drive.
“Our concern is the flooding and what we are trying to do is ensure that the drainage network is recovered and that there is proper flow in them. ‘Thekkanamkara is being recovered now,” he added.
But Babu Jose, a civil works expert, alleged that ‘Operation Anantha’ was waste of money and manpower. “The government has spent around Rs 172 crore to solve the flooding at East Fort and Thampanoor in the past two decades. The demolition drive which is going on is avoidable. Without retrieving Pathrakulam, it is pointless to spend crores. They should have focused on cleaning up the Kannamoola and Akkulam stretch which is extensively encroached and clogged,” Mr Jose said.
A senior official associated with the drive said that eviction notices would be served after finalising the plan. The archaeology department has identified widespread encroachment of significant heritage property by Rajadhani Group and Sree Vidhyadiraja Trust. ‘Pathrakulam’ — once a pond — was encroached by Sree Vidhyadiraja Trust long back. However, ‘Operation Anantha’ has failed to evict the encroacher which is one of the main reasons for flooding at East Fort region.