Fear of epidemic forced eviction

KOCHI: The migrants who had settled on Manapattiparambu were forcibly evicted by the corporation with the help of the police on Wednesday. A police team numbering around 100 reached the spot in the morning and evicted the migrants. Mayor Tony Chammany and other councillors were present at the place.For many years, Manappatiparambu has been the dwelling place for migrants from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh who are engaged in selling drums and plastic items. Many of them also work at construction sites in the city. According to corporation health standing committee chairman Muhammad Ashraf, the eviction was conducted after the District Medical Officer reported that the unhygienic situation at Manappattiparambu might lead to the outbreak of  epidemic. He said the residents were engaged in illegal activities like prostitution, robbery and frequent brawls. “The migrants had to be removed from the settlement as the Metro rail line passes through the area. Also, there is a residential area and a school near the place,” he said.  Gracy Joseph another councillor said the settlers were not actually poor as is made out to be. “ These people  earn good money daily. Several liquor bottles were found while evicting the place. In the day time, they send their children for begging instead of sending them to school,” Grace Joseph said.One of the evictees told City Express that the eviction drive began when all men in the area had gone to work. “They came in the morning and started to evict each shelter. All our dress and utensils were taken in the lorry. We do not know where they have taken it. No one has issued any notice to us. If the authorities had directed us we would have moved out. It was a surprise move. Our children go to school. Since we have no other way out, we will erect new shelters by evening at the same place,” said Raju Prasad.