Kollam: Disregarding the stance of political parties, including the Congress and the RSP, four panchayat members from Alappad have decided to implead in the original petition on sand mining filed by a local resident in Kerala High Court.
The panchayat governing body has allegedly conspired to submit a misleading report that the members had unanimously agreed on the condition that only sea washing need to be stopped while allowing regular mining. This has made the four members to stand by the suffering villagers of Alappad.
The members, including one RSP and three Congress representatives, alleged that the governing body had even manipulated the minutes of the panchayat committee to fabricate a report to be submitted to the High Court.
“The report also states that the members demanded the implementation of ‘Puthenthura’ -model package at Alappad. In fact, this topic was not even discussed in the committee. They are attempting to submit their agenda as if it were the committee’s decision,” RSP member Cibi Boney told DC. “The dissenting members are concerned about the welfare of the people despite warnings from political parties,” he said.
Hussain of Koyithara Veedu at Alumkadavu had filed a PIL in the High Court demanding that the mining at Alappad should be stopped until a detailed feasibility study is conducted. The dissenting panchayat members will implead in the case once it is considered by the High Court.
The Alappad panchayat which is governed by the Left parties has decided to support the mining in tune with the state government’s decision disregarding the sentiments of the local residents there.
The residents are on a campaign to ‘Save Alappad, stop mining’ with relay hunger strike for the last three months.
