THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : An agitation is brewing in Kudappanakunnu against the move to dump waste near the Orange ‘poika’, a landlocked natural water body here which is almost on the verge of extinction.
A majority of the people in Kudappanakunnu have come out against the authorities for their decision to set up a garbage treatment plant adjacent to the pond.
Though representations were given to the authorities for saving the pond that is a source of water to many streams, ponds and wells, nothing concrete has been done yet. It is said that the pond, which once extended to more than 10 acres, has now shrunk considerably. Widespread encroachment has also been reported.
Sivan Kutty, a resident of Kudappanakunnu who is part of the agitation, said that the agitation would be intensified if the authorities did not withdraw the decision. “Orange ‘poika’ is a water source for all the streams and wells in and around Kudappanakunnu. We will not allow dumping of garbage in the vicinity of the pond,” he said.
He also said that rampant encroachment and destruction of the hill nearby has also led to the reduction of the catchment area. “We will not allow any more encroachment and destruction of the ‘poika’,” he said.
Though the people in and around the region have come out against encroachment and destruction of the water body, the authorities are maintaining a perpetual silence, the agitators alleged. All the political parties have come out against the move to set up the plant near the pond.
The Orange ‘poika’ is a land-locked natural lake formation between hills.