Encroachments resurface in Chalai as officials blink

Thiruvananthapuram: Encroachments have reappeared on the pathway between Chalai and Putharikandom that was reclaimed  during Operation Anantha. The reclaimed pathway on the top a covered drain was expected to be a short cut between East Fort and Thiruvananthapuram central railway station.

The passengers alighting at powerhouse entry of railway station need to just enter corporation parking lot and walk clockwise on the tiled footpath of Putharikandom maidan  to enter this pathway that takes them to East Fort entrance of Chalai

During the beginning of Operation Anantha, the administration had demolished a handful of shops including the illegal godown of a footwear chain called Syco that stood on the drain here.

The drain was widened and huge slabs were made to create the new path. However, in spite of agreeing that an entity cannot hold the land over the drain the revenue department took a U-turn and provided alternative land to Syco.

From day one,  fences, mounts of soil and construction material were  spread on by KSRTC depot officials and the traders. The gradual dumping of materials has now blocked the thoroughfare on this path.

“It is up to the corporation to decide whether to develop this lane and provide thoroughfare to people going from the railway station to East Fort. I guess the blockade is for the sake of some wall constructions going on,” said District Collector Biju Prabhakar.

Corporation officials said that it would not part with an inch of Putharikandom ground, which is their way of income. Meanwhile,  the legitimacy of revenue officials granting free alternative land to encroachers is being questioned by a section of traders.