District Collector yet to convene a meeting

KOCHI: Despite orders from the High Court, the District Collector P I Sheikh Pareeth is yet to convene a meeting regarding shifting of the vendors at Fort Kochi. A few months ago, an order from the High Court stated that the vendors should be evicted from the heritage zone area of Fort Kochi. They are to be relocated to the shops built by the Kerala Tourism Department. “They continue to be adamant on not occupying the shops which were built for them, opposite Fort Kochi beach, citing that they will only face losses if they do so. According to them, those who have occupied the shops are facing huge losses. For them, the area in between the churches and monuments of Fort Kochi is the best place to trade. They don’t realise the importance of keeping the sanctity of a heritage zone,” said a Corporation official.Almost six years back, the tourism department had built at least 30 shops spread across an area of 120 square feet, for these vendors. “It can house at least 60 vendors who have otherwise encroached areas in and around Fort Kochi,” the official added. At present, a few shops have been opened. Some of them are being run by the same vendors who have shops in the encroached areas as well. Fort Kochi councillor Antony said, “The Heritage Society, comprising the Collector, is hardly concerned about the issues happening in Fort Kochi. No decision on rehabilitating these vendors has yet been taken yet.” However, Mayor Tony Chammany said, “The Collector and the Corporation will soon be conducting a meeting to discuss the issue.”