Santhivanam, a two-acre green island in Kottuvally panchayat near here, has turned into a rallying point for environmentalists who have maintained that the traditionally preserved grove of trees should be protected. “But at the same time, we are not against the Kerala State Electricity Board’s project,” said Kusumam Joseph, convener of Santhivanam Samrakshana Samiti on Sunday, reiterating that KSEB’s 110-kV project can go on with slight deviation in the alignment of the power line.
“An impression is being created by some groups that we are against the project. It is a wrong impression. Shifting just one of the towers will help a lot in preserving Santhivanam ,” she said. She added that the protest by the Samrakshana Samiti had received strong support from various groups including young people.
V.D. Satheesan, Paravur MLA, said that he strongly opposed the destruction of the green cover. He said the KSEB could have carried out the project in a much better way. He said the slurry from piling works for the project had spilled into the green area following which the District Collector had ordered the removal of the dredged materials. At the same time, there is a view that the project being implemented by the KSEB would bring about a permanent solution to the continuing power and drinking water shortage in the Vypeen area. S. Sarma, Vypeen MLA, said the project should be implemented causing least damage to the green area.
The problem of power and water shortage in Vypeen is a nagging issue. Once the 110-kV line is completed, the area will have sufficient power. It will be a boost even to the ice plants in Munambam fishing harbour. He also said that if the height of the lines were raised, more trees could be saved. The project should be implemented minimising damage to the environment, he added.
