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The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Official apathy behind stalled Kallakkuttykudy bridge project, says Idukki MP
Despite the swift sanctioning of ₹3.6 crore under the Rebuild Kerala Initiative (RKI) for a crucial bridge and road to Kallakkuttykudy, a tribal hamlet in Mankulam panchayat in Idukki, official indifference and contractor inaction have brought the project to a standstill. Approved on June 7, 2024, with a completion deadline of May 16, 2025, not a single brick has been laid — leaving the tribal community stranded yet again. While authorities resort to mere notices, questions arise over accountability in a project. According to sources, official apathy is behind the stalling of the dream project of the local community. According to local residents, the concrete bridge connecting the Kallakkuttykudy tribal settlement to the outside world was washed away by the devastating flood in August 2018. Afterwards, during rainy seasons, the tribal community would make temporary bamboo bridge so that the children could go to school. Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose blamed the Devikulam block panchayat, saying that he had allotted ₹20 lakh for the bridge and the block panchayat opposed it. Mr. Kuriakose alleged that the failure of the bridge project is tied to the apathy of the State government. '₹20 lakh had been allotted. But the officials blocked the administrative sanction for the project,' said Mr. Kuriakose. Under RKI Meanwhile, Devikulam block panchayat secretary Sunil Sebastian said that Mr. Kuriakose sent a proposal for the project on February 28, 2023. Based on the proposal, the block panchayat conducted an estimate for the project, and the estimated cost was ₹49.9 lakh. 'The project later changed to a footbridge, and administrative sanction was received from the district planning officer on June 19, 2023. After being approached about the final sanction from the district panchayat, it was revealed that the project was included under the RKI project. Based on the direction, the project was cancelled on January 25, 2024,' said Mr. Sebastian. The official further stated that the block panchayat never opposed the project and had completed all paperwork. Meanwhile, Vishnukumar G., project director of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of RKI, Thiruvananthapuram, stated that the government allotted ₹3.6 crore for the construction of a bridge and road in the Kallakkuttykudy tribal settlement. 'With this, ₹1.5 crore has been allotted for the construction work of the 32.46-metre-long and 4.5-metre-wide bridge. The contractor signed an agreement for the project on June 7, 2024, and the site was handed over for construction on June 17, 2024. The completion period was fixed at 11 months.' The official further stated that the contractor failed to commence construction work, and the RKI issued repeated notices to the contractor. 'After completing the agreement period, the RKI is to recover losses from the contractor's responsibility. The project will be re-tendered and rearranged,' said Mr. Vishnukumar.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Akashvani Devikulam, a cherished radio voice in Idukki, facing a closure threat
Akashvani Devikulam (101.4 FM), the only radio station in Idukki, which is cherished by tribal communities and plantation workers for nearly three decades, is facing a closure threat with the retirement of its programme head on April 30. Matthew Joseph, who currently serves as the programme head and programme executive, is set to retire this Wednesday. According to sources, no successor has been appointed, nor has responsibility been handed over to another All India Radio (AIR) station. Commissioned on February 23, 1994, Akashvani Devikulam has been an integral part of life in the tribal hamlets and tea plantations of the Munnar hill region for over 31 years. Broadcasting daily from 4:25 p.m. to 11:10 p.m., the station features a mix of Tamil and Malayalam programmes. For many in these remote parts, the station still remains their primary source of news, entertainment and community connection. The station once operated with a full team comprising a programme head, including three programme executives. However, over the years, the team has been gradually reduced. One official was recently transferred, and with the current head now retiring, the station is left with no leadership. 'The appointment decision is pending at the AIR Bengaluru office, but no information has been received so far. If no one is appointed, the station could be forced to shut down,' a source said. Kisanvani, one of the station's flagship programmes, offers farmers a platform to share their insights and experiences with the public. The programme is supported by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, which provides an honorarium to participating farmers. Beyond agriculture, the station has also empowered various sectors to amplify their voices. Akashvani Devikulam was also the first radio station in the country to produce a digital radio drama. Floods aftermath The station also proved to be a lifeline during the devastating floods of 2018, when Munnar was cut off from the rest of the world for nearly a week. At that critical time, Akashvani Devikulam served as a vital communication link, disseminating essential updates and safety information to isolated communities. Nearly 20 casual workers are also employed at the station and its closure would leave them without jobs. Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose expressed concern over the potential shutdown, calling the station 'an integral part of Idukki's cultural identity'. 'To ensure the continued operation of Akashvani Devikulam, I will be submitting a letter to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on April 30, seeking immediate intervention,' he said.
