THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K Muraleedharan MLA on Tuesday inspected the works along the Idanada-Killiyar stream which, allegedly, would aggravate the waterlogging in the area. Muraleedharan inspected the area following the request of some residents’ associations in the area which witnessed a flood in December last year.
Residents’ association members said that more than 600 people were affected by waterlogging owing to the overflowing of the Idanada-Killiyar stream and that the ongoing works carried out by the Irrigation Department would make the stream narrower.
The Irrigation Department is going ahead with the construction of slabs to cover the stream so that a nearby plot would get direct access to the road. However, there is widespread protest against the construction, allegedly meant to help the land mafia. “Instead of widening the culvert, the Department officials are constructing side walls to the stream, thereby obstructing the flow of water. Also, it would obstruct people from removing blockages during waterlogging,” said the residents’ association members to the MLA.
The Irrigation Department officials were also present at the site. “There is a contempt of court proceeding against me for not executing the works,” said executive engineer B Jayaram.
However, the residents’ associations alleged that the petitioners had filed a false affidavit in court.
Two years ago, Additional Chief Secretary K Jayakumar had submitted a report stating that the proposed work would create waterlogging in the area. In addition to this, the Commission appointed by the High Court too had opined that the work would lead to flooding.
The Idanada-Killiyar stream carries drainage water from Vellayambalam, Kowdiar, Pipinmoodu, HLL etc.
“There is continuous flow even during the dry season. During rainy season, the Killiyar may overflow and flood the entire region. The Department must do something to widen the culvert. Instead of serving private parties, money from the state exchequer must be used for public benefit,” said a resident of the area.