The move to renovate and deepen the Alappuzha-Changanassery Canal as part of the Kuttanad Package has met with staunch resistance from traders and families living on either sides of the canal, who are likely to be evicted to facilitate the project.
The AC Canal Footpath Merchants' Association is spearheading an agitation that is slowly picking up momentum after a recent dharna in front of the District Collectorate and now with plans for a hunger strike at Ramankary beginning on January 30. The renovation project envisages widening and deepening of the canal for about 20km, from Manakkalchira near Changanassery to Pallathuruthy near Alappuzha.
According to Association president K. Prasad Chettikadu, there are about 55 families and around 200 shops. However, the rehabilitation package that was in consideration of the government had included 171 shops and 18 families, which he said was “totally unjustified”. “Moreover, there is a move to make it appear that it is because of our shops that the free flow of water through the canal was obstructed. Those who claim this should remember that our shops stand on four pillars of not more than four inches each. They should look at some of the bridges that have been constructed across the canal. The bridge at Mampuzhakari obstructs 40 per cent of the canal, while the one at Vezhapra stands on 60 per cent of the canal that was filled up for the purpose. The Pettikalunku bridge near Kidangara is another example for unscientific construction while de-silting of the canal and construction of a breakwater structure near the Kidangara bridge are still promises on paper,” Mr. Prasad points out.
Wants reconstruction
The association, which is demanding that everyone of the 250-odd shops and houses be included in the rehabilitation package, also wants reconstruction of the Kidangara, Mampuzhakari and Vezhapra bridges apart from the new bridges at Mankombu, Poopally, Ponga and Pallathuruthy.
“We have been earning a sparse livelihood for the last 30 years with our small setups on the sides of the AC Canal. If there is any eviction and rehabilitation, then it should be done including everyone without leaving a few to suffer on their own after their businesses are demolished,” Mr. Prasad said.
