Dredging of the Kollam Canal is progressing only on one side as those living in the “purampoke” land along the east side of the canal are yet to be relocated. The delay in relocating the residents will affect the pace of dredging the canal which is a part of National Water Way, connecting Ashtamudi Lake and Paravoor Lake.
The inland navigation is speeding the dredging work of first phase of four kilometres from Ashtamudi to Mundackal. “Though there are technical difficulties and public complains of foul smell due to rotten waste in the canal, it will be removed as early as possible,” said Jacob Chacko, AEE Inland Navigation to DC.
The irrigation dept had allotted a sum of Rs1.5 cr for dredging, piling and fencing in the first phase. The department has decided not to allow funds for second phase of 3.8 km if the residents are not evicted, which will affect the pace of work, he added.
“District Administration is looking forward to resolve the issue by the month of April. Families will be shifted to houses which are nearing finishing. We are also looking for vacant land in corporation premises to meet the demand of 3 cents,” said P. G. Thomas, collector.
The rehabilitation of 349 landless families was the only solution,” said J. Girija, Tehsildar Kollam. “While 177 families were shifted to Pookkulam and 61 to Moorthikavu, remaining 111 families as per list and another 62 families out of list are still there. We have 107 houses nearing completion for the beneficiaries,” tehsildar added.
“We had demanded 3 cents of land and a house within 7 km of corporation limits in last discussion held with district administration,” said Gangadharan Pilla, chairman, Janakeeya Pourasamithy, Thamarakkulam, adding that it is too difficult to travel from distant places like Pookulam and Thanni at Pravoor where houses are allotted.
