KOCHI: Residents of Thanthonni Thuruth, an island in the backwaters off Goshree walkway, have long been demanding the construction of an outer bund to prevent water from entering their homes during high tide. The more than decade-long clamour for the structure, according to officials, is under the consideration of the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA).
Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) secretary Raghuraman said the outer-bund proposal is yet to receive environmental clearance from the KCZMA, which is causing the delay. During the high tide of the last two days, water entered the houses of 64 families on the island. This has become commonplace for the islanders.
“Fifteen years have passed and officials are yet to build a five-metre-wide bund to prevent our houses from getting flooded during high tide,” said Rejitha, a resident. “The irony is that no Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violation allegation was raised when the entire lake was encroached upon to develop the Queen’s Walkway or the Container Terminal road,” said Rejitha. Despite being just a stone’s throw away from Marine Drive, the 110-acre island is a world apart in terms of development.
Pointing at the high-rise buildings lining Marine Drive, Rejitha says encroachment and unscientific construction are the main reasons for the high tide. “GIDA and irrigation officials, and other representatives have approached us with questions about why we need to reclaim five metres of lake. These questions were not asked when authorities encroached upon acres of land to build the Goshree Bridge or the walkway to Chathiyath Church, which was once part of the lake,” she said. The residents unanimously say that the delay in obtaining CRZ clearance is clear indication that laws and rules apply differently for the rich and the poor.
Area councillor, V V Praveen, said the project director of GIDA has sought clearance from CRZ for construction of the bund. “However, the KCZMA said the proposal for the five-metre-wide bund is not satisfactory and has asked the project proponent to submit further reports on the matter,” said Praveen. “Work will begin once we obtain the sanction from CRZ,” he added.
Apart from frequent flooding, the lack of a boat service is also a major issue for islanders. “Only one boat of the state water transport department operates on this route,” said Hariharan Kumar, a resident.
To address the lack of water transportation, Praveen said, Water Metro will set up a terminal here. “Metro officials inspected the site a couple of months ago. Once the service commences, the issue of transportation will be resolved,” he added.
The rich-poor divide
Despite being just a stone’s throw away from Marine Drive, the 110-acre island is a world apart in terms of development. Pointing at the high-rise buildings lining Marine Drive, residents say encroachment and unscientific construction are the main reasons for high tide. They unanimously say the delay in getting CRZ clearance is clear indication that laws and rules apply differently for the rich and the poor
