Charachira pond renovation project unscientific, allege residents

Thiruvananthapuram: A group of residents have raised concern over the mega renovation project at Charachira pond, which they claim is an unscientific construction. However, corporation officials claim that construction wouldn’t impact the environment.
The city corporation has taken up a major renovation project worth Rs.3cr at Charachira pond. It includes beautification, construction of a walkway and space for fishing.
A retaining wall has been constructed on three sides of the pond, while one side is covered with filth and water hyacinth. Footpaths have been constructed on the sides and drainage work is under progress. Last week, a group of residents from Nanthancode visited the area around the pond and recorded the status of the work.
"The construction is unscientific. The natural spring that flowed into the pond has been blocked by the wall. Authorities are not transparent about the work. While one side of the pond has been encroached upon by people, the other side is blocked by a wall and a drain is going over the waterbody. Water gets clogged between the wall and drainage and waste is dumped in whatever little space is left," said Liza RS, a resident.
A study conducted by a city-based school had reported the contamination of pond water and unscientific construction of retaining walls.
"I have been staying at Nanthancode for more than 30 years. I am witness to the drastic deterioration of pond over the years. Earlier, elephants were brought to the pond for bathing and its used to be a dhobighat too. Now, more than one third of the three-acre pond has been encroached upon by people and the construction project is taking more area of the pond. We have decided to save the pond from destruction," alleged Evangeline Sugunan, another resident.
Corporation has identified eight people who have encroached upon the pond and measures have been taken to clear encroachments.
A resident had filed an RTI application regarding the development projects proposed at Charachira Pond. "I did not receive any reply to the RTI. During lockdown, I was unable to file an appeal, which was due in April. Recently, I filed an appeal and we will plan our future steps based on details of the projects," added Evangeline.
However, according to Nathancode ward councillor Palayam Rajan, the construction has been planned in such a way that the natural flow of water is not affected.
"After completion of the project, the space will also be suitable for walkers and joggers. Walkway on three sides of the pond has been completed and tiles and fencing work are pending. The waste and hyacinth will be cleared soon. Also, the sewage pipeline near the pond will be shifted to another area. The project is in tender stage. It’s been planned to cultivate grass carp fishes in the pond," said Rajan.