If the plan of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) comes through, around 4,000 trees in the Kakkanad NGO quarters area will have to make way for an entertainment centre and ‘themed village’.
But the residents are up in arms over the project, which is slated to come up on 17.3 acres where they conducted two tree surveys to estimate the impending ecological damage. “The area has over 4,000 trees of around 180 species, besides several herbs. They allow for water percolation,” said botanist C.M. Joy who led the surveys, and is a part of the District Tree Committee.
The patches abound in fruit trees and spreading rain trees. “These areas with good biodiversity should not be sacrificed for development,” he added.
Bird species
“The area is likely to have a rich diversity of bird species. KMRL has fenced off parts of its land, so the bird population is difficult to estimate,” said Mukundan Kizhakkemadham, an amateur ornithologist who attempted a bird walk in the area.
KMRL had invited a global tender in March for a consultant to prepare a detailed project proposal. “It is envisioned as a large metro city with shopping and entertainment zones and play areas which will come up in the next three or four years. The idea is to attract tourists to the city and the process of demarcating the land is under way,” said a KMRL source. It has received around ten responses to the tender call.
The green island in the city regulates temperature and allows for groundwater recharge, said C.R. Neelakandan, environmental activist and a resident. “Groundwater levels will dry up if this area is covered with concrete. What is the need for another shopping complex?” he asked.
“It is the only forested area in a densely populated city. Water in the wells here is still usable,” said another resident. Roads frequented by residents and the Ambadimoola playground also fall within the proposed project area. The road that runs past the primary health centre and another pathway have been blocked since last week and demarcated as KMRL area, said residents.
KMRL officials, District Collector S. Suhas and Thrikkakara MLA P.T. Thomas visited the area the other day. “The ground will be fenced and controlled by KMRL but open to the public. An agreement was also reached that an alternative path will be made for residents. The government has already allotted the land. We can only see if a green belt will come up within the project area,” said Mr. Thomas.
