Kerala Water Authority intensifies action against encroachments on Pipeline Road

An illegal structure being removed at Vazhayila Junction.

The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has kicked off a major drive to rid the Pipeline Road on the Peroorkada-Aruvikkara stretch of encroachments and unauthorised constructions. The water utility said on Saturday that it has intensified action against encroachers.

As part of the drive, illegal structures were removed at the Vazhayila junction on Friday. The effort will continue in the weeks ahead, the KWA said on Saturday. “These measures are being taken to protect the Pipeline Road and the allied KWA assets and to ensure access for carrying out repairs and maintenance works,” the KWA said.

The Pipeline Road is important for the KWA as the transmission main carrying water from Aruvikkara to the capital city passes through it.

The water utility has requested encroachers to vacate the premises voluntarily, so as to avoid action. KWA officials are also serving notices to encroachers under provisions of the KWA (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupation and Removal of Unauthorised Constructions) Regulations, 2014.

If the encroachers fail to vacate the premises within the timeframe stipulated in the notice, the Executive Engineer concerned will issue the final speaking order. Failure to vacate within the 30-day deadline prescribed in that order will attract eviction measures with the assistance of the police, according to KWA.

In August this year, the KWA had ordered that all permanent, semi-permanent and other encroachments be removed from the Pipeline Road in Kochi. The drive in Kochi was held as part of the preliminary measures for the laying of pipelines to the city from a proposed 190-mld water treatment plant.