Tension Brews Again in Vazhathurthi Area Over Wetland Encroachment
In the Vazhathurthi area near the Sarovaram Biopark in Kozhikode, a fresh wave of tension has erupted as members of the Sarovaram Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi and Vazhathuruthi Residents’ Association thwarted an attempt to continue landfilling the Kottooli wetlands. On a fateful Saturday afternoon (May 17, 2025), workers observed the removal of concrete from a school courtyard using an earthmover, with the debris being dumped into the wetlands. This alarming discovery comes on the heels of a similar incident in November 2024, prompting the Kerala high court to issue an order maintaining the status quo.
Questionable Actions Unveiled and Repercussions Ensue
The school authorities defended their actions, citing the necessity to lay tiles in the courtyard, but suspicions arose when additional construction waste was found near the building within the wetlands. P.M. Jeejabai, the Secretary of the Vazhathuruthy Residents Association, expressed concerns over the presence of tire marks leading to the wetlands, further implicating foul play. As the local community confronted the school management, the Revenue Department intervened by seizing the earthmover involved. Village Officer-in-charge P. Dhanya of the Vengeri Village led a team to investigate the matter, confirming a blatant violation of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008.
The Samithi’s Next Steps and a Mysterious Disappearance
In response to these developments, the Samithi plans to petition the District Collector under the Right to Information Act, seeking answers regarding the disappearance of another earthmover. This particular machine was confiscated by the Revenue Department following allegations of mangrove destruction in the wetlands back in November 2024. However, a recent theft on Friday night raised eyebrows as the earthmover vanished from its storage location within the locality. Ms. Jeejabai expressed frustration over the lack of surveillance due to damaged CCTV cameras, making it difficult to track the stolen equipment. Not really sure why this matters, but the ongoing saga surrounding the wetland encroachment shows no signs of abating, leaving the community on edge.
