IT park work caused flooding: Residents

T'puram: Residents of Mulluvila colony near Kazhakkoottam approached the district administration, alleging that unscientific construction activities linked to the expansion of Technopark have triggered severe flooding, sewage overflow and public health hazards, rendering several houses uninhabitable and threatening the functioning of a local anganwadi.In a detailed complaint submitted to district collector, residents and environmental activists alleged that the condition of anganwadi No. 98 at Chithambaravilakam in Mulluvila colony deteriorated drastically since 2024 due to recurring waterlogging and waste accumulation. The complaint stated that the anganwadi is located in the lowest-lying part of the colony, causing wastewater from nearby houses to flow into its premises during rain. The lone toilet at the facility reportedly becomes unusable even after moderate rainfall, while overflowing septic tanks release sewage into the surroundings. Residents also alleged that overgrown vegetation and stagnant water in the area have increased the presence of snakes and other pests.Several families have reportedly shifted to rented accommodation due to the issue. According to the complaint, construction activities associated with Technopark Phase-I expansion altered the natural terrain and destroyed the existing drainage channels leading to the Thettiyar stream, resulting in what residents described as an ‘artificial flood situation'. The memorandum termed the situation as a violation of Disaster Management Act, 2005."The area given to rehabilitate displaced families has now turned into a disaster zone. Children are forced to study and spend time in unsafe and unhygienic surroundings," said Sanjeev S J, an environmentalist. The petition urged district disaster management authority to conduct a special inquiry into the alleged unscientific construction activities and to restore the drainage system that residents claim was blocked during the development works. It also demanded relocation of the anganwadi to a safer building and compensation for families whose homes have become uninhabitable. A senior official of corporation said the civic body would examine the issues raised by residents.