A survey to identify the boundaries of Chilavanoor Lake began on Monday.
Armed with the survey sketches of the river prepared during the British era, which was updated later, officials from the Revenue Department began the survey at Elamkulam region.
“The survey is being held as directed by the Kerala High Court while considering a petition,” said Fort Kochi Sub-Collector Adheela Abdullah.
Cheshire Tarzan, a Kochi-based social activist, had approached the court seeking to issue directions to authorities to curb the encroachment of the river, and action against encroachers.
Premium location
A large number of apartment complexes and houses have come up on the banks of the lake, which is considered a premium waterfront location in the city by realtors.
Several agencies, including the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) and the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA), have identified several instances of violations in the area.
The CAG has also listed 19 buildings built in violation of laws, including the Coastal Regulation Zone notification, on the banks of the lake.
Mr. Tarzan has also sought instructions to conduct a survey on the ‘land on the banks of the lake on the basis of the old resurvey and CRZ plans and sketches on the basis of satellite inputs.’
Poonithura, Maradu
A team of six officials began the job at Elamkulam village on Monday morning. After completing the survey in the village, the officials will move to Poonithura and Maradu villages, through which the river flows.
The lake is identified with survey numbers 1,037 and 1,038 in official records. The High Court has set the deadline as May 20 for completing the job.
Stones marking the legal boundaries of the lake would be laid after the survey. In some cases, title deeds were issued earlier on the banks of the lake. Such documents would be verified and recorded during the survey, officials said. The State government has allotted ₹5 lakh for the survey.
The officials, led by Ms. Abdullah, held discussions with N.R. Menon, a member of the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority, before the survey.
