THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An anganwadi and several houses in Mulluvila Colony near Technopark in Kazhakkoottam continue to face severe waterlogging, forcing children to study in unsafe and unhygienic conditions amid sewage overflow, stagnant water, and overgrown vegetation.
Residents allege that Mulluvila Colony — established to rehabilitate families who surrendered land for the expansion of Technopark — is bearing the brunt of unscientific development in surrounding areas, including the IT park itself.
Located at the lowest point of the colony, the anganwadi premises receive wastewater runoff from nearby houses, posing a serious health threat to children.
The ground-floor classrooms and facilities have become completely unusable following repeated flooding.
Geetha J, who has been teaching at the anganwadi for the past 27 years, said student enrolment has dropped sharply as parents are reluctant to send their children to the waterlogged centre.
“We used to have 15 to 20 children before the flooding worsened. Now, only four children are enrolled, and the number is expected to fall further this academic year.”
The anganwadi has since been shifted to the first floor. While there was a proposal to relocate the centre to Kallingal, authorities have taken no concrete steps. “Once, the water rose up to the second shelf of the cupboards, destroying books, records, and other study materials. That forced us to move upstairs,” Geetha added.
Ahead of the upcoming academic year, a formal complaint has been filed with the district collector urging immediate intervention.
Sanjeev S J, president of the Environment Protection and Research Council, who filed the complaint, alleged that unscientific construction linked to Technopark’s expansion has disrupted the natural drainage pattern, leaving the low-lying settlement vulnerable. “Many families have moved to rented houses because their homes were ruined by wastewater and flooding.”
Residents also alleged that recent construction inside Technopark was undertaken by blocking the existing drainage. Sunil Kumar, a colony resident, noted that the situation has deteriorated to the point where even a light shower triggers flash floods.
“Earlier, Technopark authorities had planned to acquire five structures, including four houses and the anganwadi, and provide alternative arrangements. However, no action has been taken.”
An official with the Technopark said the colony was constructed almost 25 years back and no such issues were reported for many years.
“All this is happening because of large-scale urbanisation happening in the nearby areas of the colony,” the official source said.
Kazhakkoottam MLA-designate V Muraleedharan promised immediate intervention.
“I noticed this issue back in 2016, and it is highly unfortunate that it remains unresolved even after a decade. A scientific plan is urgently needed to protect these vulnerable areas surrounding Technopark. A discussion will be held with Technopark authorities soon,” he said.
