Kerala - Kottayam   

Mani orders inquiry into breaching of check-dam

By Our Staff Reporter

KOTTAYAM, AUG. 5. The Revenue Minister, K M Mani, today instituted a preliminary inquiry into the breaching of the check-dam at Kulamavu which resulted in the tragic death of five members of a family on Wednesday. He said that, depending on the report, the issue would be placed before the Cabinet for further action.

He announced this during a visit to Pothumattom, near Kulamavu, the scene of Wednesday's accident. The Revenue Minister also promised to take necessary action to extend financial assistance for construction of houses for those whose houses had been destroyed in the accident. The Government would provide land and house for those who had lost both, he said.

Mr Mani's visit, considered part of a troubleshooting operation to

assuage popular ire, provoked dramatic scenes with relatives of the

deceased and local people obstructing him and raising demands for immediate action against the UDF leader, whose family members own the land where the controversial check-dam was constructed. Demanding criminal action against Mr. Mani for `homicide', the irate mob also wanted an investigation into the construction of check-dams in the nearby tourist resort, which, according to them, were equally dangerous.

Pacifying the people with the promise of a detailed discussion at the

nearby parish hall of St. Mary's Church, the Revenue Minister moved on to the scene of accident. Later. at the meeting at the Parish Hall, local people raised many questions, most of them about the check-dams, including those constructed by the Kerala State Electricity

Board (KSEB).

Mr. Mani asked the local MLA, Roshi Augastin, to make available Rs. 5 lakhs from the MLA's fund for renovation of the Government

Lower Primary School at Kulamavu . He also promised that the three-km stretch of road from Kulamavu town to the St. Mary's Church, Pothumattom, would be developed.

Mr Mani started his day with a visit to the controversial check-dam constructed on the land owned by relatives of the Kerala Congress (J) leader, Mathew Stephen, who is presently the chairman of Oushadhi.

Meanwhile, revenue authorities who accompanied Mr Mani said there were complaints against the controversial check-dam.

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