KOLLAM: In contrast to the majority of Keralites, who are bathed in the Onam fervour, residents of Kakkathoppu in the district have shunned the idea of celebrating Kerala’s own festival.
For them, the eschewal may be a sign of protest or a result of desperation or gloom that set in ever since the dredger ship ‘Hansita’ of the Mumbai-based Megha Dredging Private Limited washed close to the shore on June 22. In the aftermath of the incident, over 15 houses in the locality got collapsed, while about 250 metre of the shore was lost due to surge in sea levels, posing risks to the Coastal Road.
“We have lost hope. The ship has not only encroached the coastal area, but also our happiness,” said secretary of Kakkathoppu Theeradesha Samrakshana Samithy Jayan Michel.
“Several families packed their bags and left, as their houses either got collapsed or were on the verge of falling down. Under such conditions, how can we celebrate Onam?” wondered Michel. He added, “Usually, our Onam celebrations are tagged with anniversary celebrations of the Sea View Reading Room and Library. But since the residents are disheartened over the damage caused by the dredger ship, we decided not to conduct Onam programmes. Even if we do, where is the space? The sea surge has eaten into the shore. The government, the district administration and the owners of the dredger ship have betrayed us.”
The Samithy had, in August, blocked the Chinnakkada Roundabout to protest the delay in towing the ship away from the shore. Priest of Eravipuram Church Fr Milton George, who inaugurated the protest, had even warned of intensifying protests if no action was taken, saying that the authorities would be held accountable for the same.