KOCHI: The six-day old sit-in protest by residents of Chellanam affected by cyclone Ockhi was called off on Saturday after the district collector Mohammad Y. Safirulla held a discussion with leaders of Chellanam Janakeeya Samithi, which spearheaded the agitation. They were demanding a comprehensive package for the construction of seawall and breakwater system to save the region from the tidal waves.
"The works for the restoration of the sea wall near Bazaar area have already begun. Further, the proposal for a comprehensive package comprising sea walls and break water systems as designed by the Madras IIT will be submitted to the state government next week,'' Mr Safirulla said. The distribution of initial compensation by the state government to the affected families is expected to be completed by Monday. A decision has also been reached on providing employment to the next kin of Rexxon, who died in the cyclone.
"The agitation has been called off temporarily as the collector had assured that work on the seawall and breakwaters will be expedited," said Jervin Joseph, secretary of the Janakeeya Samithi. He added that the district administration has promised to complete the cleaning up process, including the removal of septage waste from cyclone-hit area within a day. “We will be keeping a close watch on the work to be undertaken by the district administration. If they fail to implement the work as promised, we would resume the agitation with renewed vigour,” he said.
