Thicket cleared, work on Nature Park begins at Vyttila

Kochi: At a time when rising incidents of snake bites across state have heightened public anxiety, commuters at Vyttila mobility hub and residents in neighbouring localities have finally heaved a collective sigh of relief.The pervasive fear of encountering reptiles in the heart of the city's busiest transit point has been quelled, as authorities have cleared wild bushes and weeds that had long plagued the terminal and began construction work of a Nature Park on 5.5 acres.For long, volunteer organisations like Ernakulam District Residents Associations' Apex Council (Edraac) and Vyttila Vikasana Samithi had been at the forefront of a campaign to highlight deteriorating safety standards at the hub."Thick undergrowth and weed infestation, combined with its proximity to Kaniyampuzha river, created a perfect habitat for snakes. There have been multiple reports of pythons and venomous snakes being caught or spotted near passenger waiting areas and bus bays. Risk is highest during early mornings/late nights when the area is poorly lit," said Edraac president Rangadasa Prabhu."The 5.5-acre expanse earmarked for Phase II development had earned the notorious reputation of being a haven for snakes. With the uncontrolled growth now razed, the issue that risked safety of thousands of daily commuters has become a thing of the past," said B Balagopalan of Vyttila Vikasana Samithi.Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML), on behalf of Vyttila Mobility Hub has commenced construction of Nature Park. It has cleared bushes and filled up land utilizing soil from western end of the hub. Phase I works will include walkways, ecological landscaping, and enhanced lighting and surveillance among others."A main reason for spotting of reptiles was disposal of wastewater and food waste from multiple food stalls in bus bays. Now CSML is constructing a dedicated drainage all along the length of bus bays, as an additional facility," said a Vyttila Mobility Hub Society official."Wastewater will be directed to a soft pit before being disposed of into river after refining it," a senior CSML official said.Authorities aim to complete first stage of Nature Park in three months.