Kochi: Santhivanam, a group of sacred groves and forest spread across nearly two acres of land at Vazhikulangara near Paravur is facing threat of extinction as the Kerala State Electricity Board has started cutting trees in the area for the Cherai - Mannam 110 KV line.
Though the owner approached the High Court against cutting of trees, the court verdict was in favour of the Board. And the Board employees cut a huge pine tree in the compound and started construction of the tower.
The green lung which is more than 200 years old has three sacred groves, three ponds and a man made forest. “We haven’t cut any of the trees in the compound for many years and preserving the greenery like a treasure. Now, the KSEB has finalised the alignment of the Cherai - Mannam 110 KV power line which passes through the plot. Despite several petitions and requests, the KSEB is not willing to change the alignment. I have approached the High Court more than a year ago after my request was turned down by the district administration,” said Meena Menon, owner of the plot.
“The groves, ponds and the forest are home several species of birds, butterflies and snakes. Most of the trees have to be cut for the power line which will upset the rich biodiversity of the area. Though the KSEB could have saved Shantivanam if the alignment was slightly changed, the Board officials deliberately wanted to save the adjacent plot which is owned by a former KSEB chairman,” alleged Ms. Menon.
Meanwhile, sources in KSEB said that the project can’t be dropped and they have no other option than erecting tower in the area. “Underground cabling is not feasible for such high capacity power line. Considering the increasing demand for power in the coastal areas like Munambam where several ice manufacturing companies and fish processing units are situated, the project has to be commissioned at the earliest,” sources said.
