Railways’ reluctance to adopt proper flood control measures in Thampanoor is the reason for the recurring instances of flood in the area, Mayor K. Chandrika has said.
Speaking to The Hindu here on Wednesday after landslips and flooding of the track led to cancellation of many trains, she said that Railways failed to respond positively to the flood control plans under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
“During the time of DPR submission for JNNURM, Railways submitted a proposal of Rs.10 crore for a tunnel from Chaithram Hotel to Amayizhanjan Canal. Later, they raised the amount to Rs.12 crore and then to Rs.18 crore. We agreed at every stage. But they refused when we said that we will deposit the money in their account for them to carry out the work. As per the rule, only Railways can carry out civil work on their premises. So we are helpless,” she said. Regarding the landslide, she said it was the Railways’ responsibility to make sure that their tracks were safe.
However, Divisional Railway Manager Rajesh Agrawal said it was the responsibility of the municipality to prevent water seepage into the railway premises.
Collector’s version
When asked about Mayor’s statement, District Collector K.N. Satheesh, said that it was the collective responsibility of all to mitigate the sufferings of people. However, he conceded that the Corporation could do little to prevent stagnation of rainwater near the railway station.
“It’s the responsibility of Railways to clean storm water drains on its premises. Corporation cannot do the work on their premises. Even in the past the district administration had to take certain harsh measures to prevail upon the Railways to perform its task,” he said.
A general alert had been issued at Nedumangad and Neyyattinkara on possible landslides, Mr. Satheesh said.
