Thiruvananthapuram: Road turns scrapyard of seized vehicles'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A portion of Museum-Kanakanagar road, one of the most bustling spots in the city, has transformed into a junk yard quite literally. The vehicles seized by police have been dumped along the Museum-Kanakanagar stretch. Though the problem had been brought to the notices of authorities concerned, there has been no response from their side yet. 

While several vehicles which were in a running condition had been auctioned, lorries and trucks impounded on the charges of various violations including non-payment of loans and illegal activities have been left to rust. "The motor vehicle department (MVD) has directed that any vehicle that has perished and remains behind unclaimed should be taken to junkyards than converting police stations into one," said an official. Many a times, the vehicles are not reclaimed due to legal hassles.

"We had to deal with similar issues around the Pattom region. The issue was raised at the meetings convened with mayor, corporation officials and police officers," said a MVD personnel. The SHOs, however, say that the vehicles have to be dumped near police stations as there are no junkyards available. The mayor's office, however, said efforts were being taken to clear-out the parking spaces. Abandoned vehicles would be taken to Thumba, Bheemapally and parking space would be cleared out for tourists and visitors. "We cannot intervene in the matter as museum road does not fall within the areas under department's jurisdiction. Parking facilities have been arranged in Kanakakunnu palace ground," said a tourism department official. 

He said the problem would be resolved once Museum Road is brought under department's supervision.  The local police officials said for the time being parking for tourist buses was being allowed along Manaveeyam Road. The vehicles that were confiscated and left behind for years now do not just occupy parking space but also have become a source of mosquito breeding. The district medical officer had directed the local police recently to clean up the vehicles ahead  of monsoon.