The dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the Mullaperiyar Agitation Council, in protest against the verdict of the Supreme Court in the Mullaperiyar case, was total and peaceful in the high-range areas of the district on Thursday. It evoked partial response in the relatively low-lying Thodupuzha taluk. The hartal had the support of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and traders’ organisations.
No untoward incidents were reported. The hartal was in protest against the verdict which allowed the raising of the water level in the reservoir to 142 feet and the dissolution of the Dam Safety Authority set up by the State government.
Public transport came to a standstill as only few vehicles plied the road. Shops and business establishments remained closed. Private vehicles too predominantly kept off the roads.
In the tourism towns of Munnar and Kumily, the hartal was total though a few autorickshaws and taxis were seen operating.
In Thodupuzha town, a few shops opened and long-haul buses, including those of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), conducted services.
Jeeps from Tamil Nadu carrying workers to the plantations in the border area did not operate services. The portion of the road affected by the landslip at lower camp on the Kollam-Theni National Highway remained closed for the second day. Officials of the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department said work was on in full swing.
