Thiruvananthapuram: After several months of inaction, the district administration has finally initiated action against the rampant reclamation happening to Akkulam Lake. On Monday, Reve-nue Divisional Officer (RDO) and Sub-collector K Inbasekar along with a team visited the reclamation site and the driver of a truck was taken into custody from the site for illegally unloading construction waste for land-filling the lake. Earlier, Revenu Minister E. Chandrashekaran had assured action against the reclamation of Akkulam Lake once the election code of conduct is lifted.
Sources said that the Sub-collector has ordered the Deputy Collector Land Reforms to hold a hearing with the owners of the plot within a week and take steps to reinstate the lake. It is learnt that there are more than 10 owners
Mr Inbasekar told DC that the entire lake is under the surveillance of the Revenue Department and the police. “Police is constantly monitoring the area and direction has been given to get in touch with the owners of the property. Strict action would be taken against the violators under the Wetland Act. More action will be initiated in the coming days and steps would be taken to reinstate the lake,” said Inbasekar.
Thettiyar Conservation Mission Head Joy R, who was part of the team, said that tresspassing at a site where a stop memo was issued itself is a crime. He said that the truck arrived at the site when the inspection was ongoing. It is learnt that the truck released around 10 loads on Monday at the site.
“The material to landfill the lake was brought from the construction site of a 15 storey building in close proximity to the reclamation site. They have the clearance from the geology department to move the construction waste from the site. However, the geology granted the permission without enquiring where the material is being moved to,” said Mr Joy.
The driver and truck have been handed over to the Thumba Police.
