KOCHI: Protest is gaining momentum against the massive reclamation of wetland in Puthuvype and Malippuram areas in Elamkunnapuzha panchayat. More than 15 acres of wetland along the coast in the area has been reclaimed by influential private individuals. Vast areas of mangroves have been destroyed and a road has been constructed by the real estate lobby violating CRZ and environmental norms. “Wetland and mangrove forests are being reclaimed using hospital waste and residue from construction sites. Though complaints have been submitted, Revenue and panchayat authorities are not keen on taking any steps,” said a local resident.
There are no documents regarding ownership of the land as it was puramboke land. Local residents allege that those who encroached the land forged ownership documents with the support of panchayat authorities. Though former Fort Kochi RDO Adeela Abdullah issued a stop memo, based on a complaint submitted by local residents, she was transferred soon. Another complaint submitted to the tehsildar, Kochi, was forwarded to the panchayat secretary, but no action was taken.
“Filling of wetland will have serious impact in the ecologically fragile zone. With the filling of the small canal, nearby houses get inundated during rains,” said C.M Joy, environmental expert. Meanwhile, environmental activists and artists of Lalithakala Academy conducted a unique protest programme against reclamation of the wetland. Artists portrayed drawings of the destroyed mangrove forest during the protest. Youth Congress activists took out a protest march to the encroached land and symbolically took over and hoisted the flag.
