With construction of NH, 80-cent pond that made Perinjanam village water-rich has disappeared

Perinjanam (Thrissur): An old pond in Perinjanam has turned into a death trap, with residents blaming poor planning and oversight during the widening of National Highway 66.

Kottamkulam, once an 80-cent water source for the village, is now almost unrecognisable after being filled for highway construction. A six-lane stretch of road now runs on massive concrete pillars through the middle of the pond, which was originally built with black stone steps.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had assured locals and public representatives that the soil filling was temporary and that the pond would be restored once work was complete. But residents fear Kottamkulam will never regain its former glory. Nearly 30 per cent of its area has already been lost to the six pillars, while the wide overpass above is expected to reduce sunlight, affecting water quality.

The pond has been filled for more than a year, cutting off its natural water sources.

Faults from the start

Locals say the problems began when the road alignment was drawn directly through the middle of the pond. Of Kottamkulam’s 80 cents, 70 cents were acquired by the NHAI, even though the pond was not included in the Perinjanam panchayat property records. Officials reportedly attempted to cover it up, but changed plans after residents and environmental groups raised objections.

By then, however, construction had advanced to the point where altering the alignment was not feasible. With Kottamkulam known locally for centuries, the bypass now directly joins the pond site.

Following protests led by the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad, activists and locals, and with the intervention of MLA ET Taison, highway officials agreed to build a bridge across the pond instead of completely covering it.

During the monsoon, the pond overflowed, flooding surrounding areas. NHAI officials, who visited the site with Taison and Perinjanam panchayat president Vineetha Mohandas, promised the pond would be restored by May 30. But four months later, no action has been taken.