Marudu: Curve an accident spot; residents bat for wall
The Maradu municipality, however, said the pond and the near-by premise is owned by the Ayani temple authorities.
Kochi: The ‘S’-shaped curve along the narrow Kattithara road at Marudu, where a play school van skidded and fell into a temple pond killing three people, is an accident spot, according to local residents who want authorities to construct a protection wall along the pond on a war-footing. “This is a danger spot, especially when it rains. Last year too, a mini lorry carrying concrete blocks fell into the pond. The driver had jumped out and escaped. The authorities should construct a protection wall on a war-footing,” said P.J. Thampi, a local resident.
“The materials for constructing a fence there was brought to the site and dumped over two years back. However, the wall construction is yet to start,” said Mukesh T.R, another resident of Ayani. The Maradu municipality, however, said the pond and the near-by premise is owned by the Ayani temple authorities. “It’s their responsibility to construct a protection wall. The pond is located close to the road. Often the weeds grown there could confuse drivers over the boundary separating the road and the pond,” said Suneela Siby, Maradu chairperson.
However, she said the municipality would take the initiative and discuss the issue with the temple authorities in the wake of the mishap. “We’ll start talks with the temple authorities over starting the construction of the protection wall at the earliest. Also steps will be taken to widen the road stretch whereever possible,” she said.