Thiruvananthapuram: Operation Anantha works to end by Onam

Thiruvananthapuram: Urban affairs minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali assured the Assembly on Wednesday that all works related to Operation Anantha affecting residents would be completed before Onam. He said the drive had provided much relief to the city from flooding.

“Earlier it took up to 12 hours for flood waters at East Fort and Thampanoor to recede. But now it takes less than two hours as a result of Operation Anantha," he said in reply to a submission by V. Sivankutty of the CPM who alleged inconvenience to people as it was initiated by some officials without proper planning. Mr Ali also admitted that the work was slightly affected due to rains. Some parties also moved court.

Encroachments, including that of political parties, private and government institutions and three media organisations, were removed. Denying the allegation that the drive was planned by some officials without government's knowledge, health minister V. Sivakumar said it was launched with a Cabinet nod. If there were any lapses on the part of officials, stern action would be taken.

Meanwhile, Congress member K. Muraleedharan said the works were carried out without consulting local legislators. CPI leader C. Divakaran wanted consultations with opposition MLAs as well on such projects.