Kochi: The decision of the Fort Kochi Heritage Conserva-tion Society to evict unauthorised traders from the heritage area at Fort Kochi may just be an eyewash, allege local residents.

This is not the first attempt to clean up the heritage spot. All earlier efforts of the district administration and City Corporation to evict encroachers have failed. Shops mushroom soon after the authorities leave the place after clearing. According to civic experts, strict monitoring is needed to find a permanent solution to encroachments at Fort Kochi.

“Eviction of encroachers will not be successful without a proper monitoring mechanism. People’s representatives and police authorities should keep a vigil to prevent further encroachment. Residents can’t be blamed for their apprehension on the efficacy of the eviction,” said K.J Sohan, corporation town planning committee chairman.

The Society recently decided to remove all makeshift shops in the heritage area and a sub collector was assigned as the nodal officer for heritage zone conservation. Notices have been issued to all traders to vacate the area within 15 days.

“It has been decided that if any trader erects makeshift shops after the area is cleared, it will be soon demolished by the police with the support of the district administration. A criminal case will be registered against those who violate the instruction,” said a Society member.

There are allegations from various corners that the traders are coming back soon after the drive with the support of political parties. Though the corporation had relocated the vendors to the shops built by the Tourism Department in a nearby place, more people have set up stalls near the beach. The vendors have put up stalls even on parking lots in front of the corporation’s zonal office.