Evaluation of buildings for solatium package begins

Thiruvananthapuram: Over 1,300 buildings from Kovalam to Varkala are under evaluation as part of shifting families for the west coast canal development project. While the earlier plan was to rehabilitate families being shifted under housing schemes, the government is now considering giving them a compensation package. An amount of 11 lakhs per family and an amount based on the value of the houses will be given as compensation package to the families.
It was decided to opt for a package considering the time taken for the completion of housing schemes. The authorities have also started compiling the beneficiary list eligible for the compensation package from Kovalam to Varkala. Preparation of beneficiary list has been completed till Kadinamkulam and the process will begin for areas within the corporation very soon.
Meanwhile, the state government has accorded sanction to conduct a social impact assessment study as part of the land acquisition of 9.85 hectares of land in Thiruvallam, Muttatahra, Kadakampally and Pettah villages for the development of Parvathy Puthanar with 25 m width and a five meter space on both the sides for canal bank road (35 m) and laying sewer line.
A provision is being made for the sewer line since dumping of sewage into the canal from the households and the institutions located on the banks of Parvathy Puthanar have contaminated the canal for decades. Despite spending huge amounts of money for cleaning, the canal remained polluted due to the unregulated pumping of toilet waste into the water body.
The KIIFB has approved a project to the tune of Rs 87.18 crores as part of widening of Parvathy Puthanar. Land will be acquired from Panathura, Edayar, Moonattumukku, Poonthura, Muttathara, Vallakadavu, Chackai, Karikkakom and Venpalavattam for widening the canal. Land measuring 19.1 acres will be acquired for this purpose. The KIIFB has also granted an amount of Rs 247.2 crore for rehabilitation of families as part of west coast canal development project from Kovalam to Varkala.
Kadakampally Surendran MLA recently inaugurated the widening work of Veli-Pallithura canal stretch as part of national waterway development scheme. The area from Veli backwaters to Pallithura bridge measuring four kilometres will be deepened with a width of 25 metres to facilitate water transport. The project is being implemented at a cost of Rs 5 crore.
Kovalam-Bakel waterway is being implemented in three phases. In the first phase, the lakes, backwaters and canals through which the waterway passes will be revamped. Widening, deepening and construction of bridges will be completed in the third phase and the final phase includes construction of boat jetties. Construction works are underway at Panathura, Puthenpalam, St Andrews, Karikkakom as part of the project in Kazhakootam legislative assembly constituency.