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.