The new Central University campus to be set up at Kudappanakunnu
has been well received by the residents, who have been agitating against rampant
encroachment and destruction of the region, but stressed for an environment –
friendly campus and protection of the nature, especially the Orange poika.
The district collector was directed on Wednesday to identify 5
acres of land in Kudappanakunnu for setting up the campus. For the last many
months, the people of Kudappanakunnu have been agitating against the
encroachment and the move to dump waste near the Orange poika, a landlocked natural water body in
the hill, which is almost on the verge of extinction. The pond is a source of
water to the many streams, ponds and wells in the surrounding areas.
Welcoming the decision, Sivan Kutty, a resident of Kudapanakunnu
who is part of the agitation, said ''We welcome the campus here. But at the
same time, the environment should be protected and the constructions should be
eco-friendly.''
Stressing that they will not allow any more encroachment and
destruction of the pond, he said that the agitation will be intensified if the
government goes ahead with any programme that causes imbalance to the
environment.
K Muraleedharan, who is the local MLA, also noted that the
environment will be protected while setting up the Central University campus.
