THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vellanad Block Panchayat has called upon the government to review the proposal to set up a waste treatment plant in the premises of the Open Jail at Nettukaltheri. Sobhana George, president of the Vellanad Block Panchayat submitted a resolution, which was passed by the local body, in this regard to CM Oommen Chandy.
She told a news conference here on Saturday that Nettukaltheri jail was located near the Agasthyarkoodam hill range which has been declared as a heritage site by the UNESCO and Neyyardam which is the lifeline of Thirvuananthapuram city and neighbouring towns of Nedumangad and Neyyattinkara. Neyyar Dam, which is emerging as a major tourist destination, with its Lion Safari Park and Deer Park s located within 1 km distance from the jail premises.
The Kappukadu elephant safari, Asia’s largest fisheries aquarium and fisheries hatchery are also nearby.
She said major educational institutions, a renowned spiritual centre, Sivananda ashram and above all the tribal colonies with thousands of tribals were in the vicinity. The Block panchayat, in its resolution, has called upon the CM to realise the ‘sharp intellect’ of the officials who proposed the site for the waste treatment plant and reject the proposal submitted with ulterior motive.