Thiruvananthapuram: Campaign intensifies against lake reclamation

Thiruvananthapuram: The inaction of the state government to stop widespread violations and reclamation happening to the water bodies across the state has prompted the nature lovers to unify their protest.  The anti-mafia squad, a people's movement who were on a journey from Ernakulam with the aim of protecting backwaters in Kerala, on Sunday, culminated their journey at Akkulam Lake covering all four districts.  

The Environment Protection and Research Council (EPRC), which is fighting against the reclamation of Akkulam Lake has decided to be a party to the petition which won the ruling at the SC to demolish five apartment complexes in Kochi for violating CRZ norms.

 As many as 16 members of the anti-mafia squad, who are on a mission to fight the encroachment of water bodies were received with a warm welcome by the nature lovers of the state capital.

Nipun Cheriyan, a member of Chilavannoor Kayal Samrakshana Sangham and the organiser of the journey said that the reason for the protest is the same everywhere. He alleged that every violation is happening with the knowledge of officials and politicians.

 "We are fed up of giving representations and complaints seeking action from the government. We are on a mission to unify every protest happening across the state and turned it into a people's movement. It's time to act and reinstate our water bodies. There are powerful laws and legal measures would be taken against the move of the authorities to regularise reclaimed lake for construction activities," said Mr Nipun.

He alleged that an organised mafia is doing all this and a collective and unified movement could win the fight.

EPRC president Sanjeev S J said that the Council along with the anti-mafia squad is planning to file a petition at the HC seeking intervention in the reclamation activities happening at Akkulam Lake.