Residents protest Poovaranthode hydel project over blasting damage

Protests Erupt Over Damage from Hydroelectric Project in Kozhikode

Protests are growing against the small hydroelectric power project at Poovaranthode in Kozhikode. Blasting works have damaged 25 buildings, including houses, in the area.

Residents, led by the Poovaranthode Janakeeya Samithi, began an indefinite protest this week. They demand immediate relief for those affected by the project. The protests have halted work on the hydel power project.

Protesters claim that extensive rock blasting caused serious structural damage to nearby houses, making some uninhabitable. They want all affected houses repaired quickly. A convent and the Government Lower Primary School at Poovaranthode also suffered damage. Another demand is for local roads to be restored, as they are now unfit for traffic due to heavy construction.

Work on the hydel project started two-and-a-half years ago. Residents say cracks and other damage appeared soon after blasting began. They reported the issue to the Kerala State Electricity Board and the contracting firms. Authorities assured residents that all damage would be repaired after blasting ended. However, six months later, no action has been taken, according to residents.

Residents then approached Linto Joseph, MLA. He held two meetings with affected residents, KSEB officials, contractors, and protest committee members. During these meetings, promises were made to repair minor issues immediately and to start repairs on severely damaged houses by January 5. Since the promised work did not start, residents began their indefinite protest.

The governing council of the Koodaranhi grama panchayat has supported the protest.