KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has given a directive to Ernakulam district collector to take strict measures against the unauthorized occupants at Fort Kochi. The directive is based on a public interest litigation filed by Carnival Paitrika Samrakshana Forum in 2007. “According to the order, the effective measures should be taken against the unauthorised vendors at Kamalakkadavu and Vasco da Gama square,” said advocate Sudhish R who appeared for the forum. The revenue land at these places has been encroached by private parties who have set up illegal makeshift sheds. “Since it is a heritage town, there is no option for unauthorised vendors. Though, the vendors have been evicted from these places a number of times, they keep coming back,” he added. The court has also taken into consideration the increase in the number of crimes against tourists. Recently, there have been reports of the tourist areas in Kochi turning unsafe. On Tuesday night, between 10 pm and 11 pm, two tourists were attacked in Fort Kochi. Harpreet Bhamra from UK, was walking near Bishop House, Pattalam, with her friend Emma Brown. Her bag was stolen by two men riding a motor bike. “They dragged me along the road as my bag was over my shoulder. But I could not see faces or the number plate,” reads the complaint filed by Harpreet in the Fort Kochi police station. Her camera, mobile phone and purse were in the bag. She suffered injuries and had to be taken for medical treatment. Isabelle, another tourist was attacked while she was standing in front of her homestay at Bernard Master Road. Two men on a motorcycle tried to grab her bag. Residents of the place also complained about such incidents. Last week, a school student’s chain was snatched in Fort Kochi.
Comments
0 comment