Thrikkakara opposition protests wetland reclamation for KV campus

Kochi: Opposition councillors in Thrikkakara municipality have opposed the proposed reclamation of wetlands at Pazhangattuchal for construction of the long-pending Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) campus, alleging that the project is being pursued without conducting environmental impact assessments or scientific studies.The criticism comes after municipal council decided to reclassify five acres of wetland and propose the land to state govt for establishing the campus.In 2019, KV Sangathan allotted a KV to Thrikkakara through ministry of education. It was the only KV sanctioned for Kerala among the 50 schools approved nationwide that year. However, administrative hurdles and delays in identifying suitable land stalled the project for several years.Opposition leader C P Sajal alleged that the ₹4-crore land filling project would threaten ecological balance of the region. He said Pazhangattuchal functions as a major wetland system for wards 5, 6, 30 and 34 and warned that reclaiming the land would obstruct natural flow of water through nearby streams, leading to severe waterlogging in surrounding areas.According to Sajal, hundreds of families residing in apartment complexes nearby would face an increased risk of flooding and areas affected during 2018 floods could once again be submerged.

He also warned that loss of wetlands would adversely affect groundwater recharge and worsen drinking water shortages in areas including Thengod.Opposition further alleged that the municipality was acting in undue haste and facilitating interests of land mafia. Ward councillor Maya P K Ali had earlier submitted a memorandum objecting to the proposal before municipal administration committee. Councillors demanded that the municipality withdraw its decision to reclaim wetland.Meanwhile, municipality chairperson Rashid Ullampallil said the council had passed a resolution in 2023 in favour of constructing a KV. “Land will be handed over to govt by revenue department not municipality. We have only reclassified it after forming a committee as per norms of Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act. Municipality will also take efforts to ensure natural flow of water is not obstructed in the region,” said Ullampallil.He added that only five acres of the nine-acre municipal land at Pazhangattuchal would be reclassified for the project.