Lodges for migrants under scanner

KOCHI: The Kerala high court has directed the Kochi corporation to find a solution to complaints from residents accusing the migrant population of generating filth in areas surrounding the lodges they reside in.
The Kaloor-Manapattyparambu Residents' Association (KMRA) in its petition to the court had pointed out the lack of efficient waste management systems, proper toilets and kitchen facilities in and around SRM Residency and other lodges functioning in the locality.
The SRM Road Residents' Association Aikyavedi, a group of 13 residents' association in the south Kaloor region, has also joined the protest.
According to them, migrant workers often take bath in the public. The waste is dumped on the road, and they also cook on roadsides.
"The corporation should review licences or permissions given to run these establishments. There have been instances when inhabitants of these lodges were seen clicking pictures and shooting videos of women and girls living in the neighbouring houses. Drunken brawls often break out, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of a residential area," said KMRA president N A Kareem.
It has been pointed out that since migrants constitute a floating population, it was difficult to trace those "who walk in and out of the lodges".
KMRA said that most of these lodges have come up on two or three cents of land, once given to the original occupants as part of a rehabilitation package. Some of the owners have sold their property and moved out.
"Let the families of proprietors stay on the ground floor of these lodges. This will definitely expose them as well as their families to the troubles and dangers of living in the area," added Kareem.
"In SRM Road alone, there are around 15 such lodges. The owners claim they are functioning after obtaining permits from the local body. But, it seems that the corporation has no control over activities happening in the lodges. These have become a safe haven for people with criminal records. The proximity to Ernakulam north railway station makes the region attractive for those trying to set up lodging for migrant workers. The end result is that the city has become an unsafe place," said V U Noorudeen, president, SRM Road Resident's Association.
Corporation councillors have also raised concerns over the growth of labour camps and dwellings provided for migrant workers.
"There should be efforts to create awareness on civic sense among migrant population. They litter public spaces and dump waste on roadsides and drains. If left unaddressed, it could cause fissures in the social fabric," said Mini Dilip, councillor representing Ayyappankavu.
Meanwhile, town planning committee chairman K J Sohan said the local body has taken up the issue seriously. Mayor Tony Chammany will soon convene a meeting to discuss it. "It has been decided to inspect all lodges in the city housing migrant workers," he said.
Local body officials said that the buildings that functioned as lodges were not illegal structures. "Most of them have obtained building permits. They also have permission from the corporation's health department. But, these buildings house more people than the sanctioned number," said an official.
"An inquiry has to be conducted on how licences and sanctions are being provided to run these lodges. It would expose those involved in corrupt practices," he added.
However, Sohan said the shortage in low-cost housing in the city was the main reason behind such issues. "As the city grows, there is an influx of migrant workers. It is difficult for them to find proper housing. Companies that employ them often house them in cramped buildings which functions as lodges," he added.