Plan to set up plant in Chalai opposed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The hopes of the State Government to build a waste treatment plant in Chalai has met with stiff opposition as the trading community has openly come out against the proposal.Office-bearers of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy (KVVES) Kothuwal street unit has alleged that the proposal to start a new plant at Chalai was part of the sinister plot of the Government to derail the development of the Chalai area.Earlier, Industries and Urban Affairs Minister P K Kunhalikutty had announced in the Assembly that a sophisticated waste treatment plan would be built on two-and-a-half acres of land in Chalai.The decision was taken against the backdrop of the continuing deadlock over movement of garbage to Vilappilsala plant. The City Corporation too had earlier expressed its desire to construct a plant at Chalai. But fearing a backlash from the public, the Corporation officials had shied away from announcing the plan.KVVES Kothuwal unit president Kalady Aji and secretary Mohammed Sidheek said that the plan was proposed by some vested interests and the public would come out against it.‘‘The plan to start plants at Technocity and Nettukaltheri open prison were stalled after the local communities agitated against the project. The proposed plant to be built at the centuries-old Chalai market which is close to Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Attukal Temple is part of an agenda set to derail the development of the area. A shopping mall should be built on the two-and-a-half acres of land owned by TRIDA. Otherwise, it would be an act of betrayal,” they said.