Operation Anantha faces uncertain future

Thiruvananthapuram: The second phase of the flood mitigation programme under Operation Anantha may remain  a non-starter, according to indications. The  major works envisaged in the second phase,  including restoration of wetland and   Manjalikulam pond and creation of new breakwater at Veli have  become unpopular with the local population.

The same is the case with the plan to dig a pond at Ponnara park.  The construction of underground tanks between Palayam and Thampanoor also would not be hassle-free. The second phase of Operation Anantha also involved restoration of canals at various parts of the city.

Even the first phase was not without hindrance.  The  Rajadhani bar owned by controversial bar owner Biju Ramesh which is over the Thekkanamkara canal could not be demolished  following litigation.

But  most buildings belonging to common people were brought down using the provision under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and Kerala State Disaster Management rules 2007 giving them only short notices of  less as 12 hours.

Anantha had begun with the demolition of an encroachment on the drain behind the district homoeo hospital. Following this, the disaster management funds were used to widen  Thekkanamkara canal, Amayizhanjan canal and Kuryathai canal that lead to water bodies that ultimately drain into sea.

Outgoing chief secretary Jiji Thomson who conceived the idea of Operation Anantha told Deccan Chronicle that it was for the next government to take a decision on the second phase.   Whether  the flood mitigation work was effective would be known only  during the monsoon in June and July, Mr Thomson said.