Illegal buildings ravage Varkala cliff

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A portion of Papanasam cliff, close to the helipad had collapsed on Friday, exposing the immediate need to enforce ban on illegal construction here. Construction was banned up to around 10 metres from the cliff that was in danger. However, despite stop memos issued by municipalities on few sites, construction continues here at night. "Only temporary sheds can be installed here during seasons. However, resorts and private hotels illegally engage construction. They build soak pits in the premises to collect sewage. This further weakens the cliff," said Varkala Municipal vice-chairperson Anijo S.

The portion that collapsed on Friday was an area where no caving in had happened for long. Deccan Chronicle had on Monday also reported the need to start conservation efforts here. "Traders used to earlier shift their thatched shack after season. Due to a fire outbreak that gutted shacks recently, the traders were permitted to use tin sheets. Now they don't remove these after the season," Anijo added. As per a recommendation put forward by Geological Survey of India (GSI), even the helipad was to be shifted away from the cliff.

"The number of four wheelers parked on the edge of cliff here are enormous. During VIP visit, the footfall increases further. There is no move from government connected to vacate their own premises," said Satheesh Babu who runs a home stay in the area. The 6.2 km cliff formed 2.5 million years ago due to landmass twisting has been in the race to secure a UNESCO geo park. Central government had declared it as a geological monument in 2014 but state government has to conserve it with originality to secure Geopark tag.