The move to construct a revenue tower at the historic Cantonment Ground in Kollam has drawn criticism from all quarters and political parties, green and cultural organizations are joining the protest.
Apart from maintaining ecological balance, the vast open space in the heart of Kollam city is used for hosting social, political, cultural, trade and agricultural exhibitions and public events.
The project was announced in the 2016-17 budget. Later, the Kerala State Housing Board (KSHB) was given the charge of implementing the project. The revenue department and district administration have recently expedited steps to start construction and officials are planning to build a revenue complex which will act as the collectorate annexe.
Allegedly, the tower will occupy the entire open space, making the grounds only a memory.
historical relevance
Situated next to the National Highway next to Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Sree Narayan College and C. Kesavan Town Hall, this ground has historical relevance. Also known as Piranki Maidan, six freedom fighters were martyred in police firing on the ground on September 2, 1938. It also saw the Battle of Quilon in 1809 between Velu Thampi Dalwa and a British force under Colonel Chalmers. This was the place. For Kallumala Samaram, a large-scale revolt against the oppression of Dalit women, and Mahatma Gandhi addressed a gathering at the Maidan in 1927.
According to the protesters, with the completion of the Kollam court complex, there will be enough space in the civil police station. With a large number of courts outside the collectorate, many offices may occupy the vacant space and start functioning at the civil station. Otherwise the land is not the ideal location for the project.
‘unilateral decision’
All political fronts, including the ruling Left Democratic Front, opposed the project and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] Describing it as a ‘unilateral decision’ of the revenue officials, the district leadership did not progress as per the plan. Meanwhile, several environmentalists, cultural organizations and Dalit groups have also come forward to demand immediate government intervention. While Pattikajathi Morcha district committee protested on Monday, Kerala Nature Conservation Council President KP Harikrishnan observed a 10-hour fast at the ground on Tuesday.