Corporation is ignoring big players

KOCHI: As Kochi Corporation was already reeling under the issue of the encroachment of public spaces by the local vendors at Fort Kochi, the role played in the intrusion by some of the bigger entrepreneurs came into light. Parts of many buildings in the area including hotels and homestays, are built on the encroached land.“The owners of the buildings have been served with a notice by the Corporation. We have asked them to take necessary steps within time given to them, otherwise, the Corporation will hold an demolition drive,” said District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth. The inspection was held following a complaint submitted by the Cherukida Vyapari Vyavasayi Association.“We are being targeted for no reason. Most of the evicted vendors are not rehabilitated. Street vending is common in every tourist place in the country and we don’t have any other source of income. Encroachment done by big businesses are ignored by the authorities,” said Mohammed Abbas, secretary of Cherukida Vyapari Vyavasayi Association.Various constructions like verandahs , concrete roofing and lawns of 20 buildings including some hotels and shops are built illegally. The Corporation has issued a notice against these owners demanding demolition of such structures within a stipulated time.Following an order from the High Court, the street vendors were evicted from the streets of Fort Kochi in January. However, most of these vendors made their way back in to the street business in Fort Kochi.