Alangad: Attempt to encroach and level lake at Karumaloor Kadoopadam has been thwarted. Aluva East police seized the earthmover that was used for levelling the lake. People have been complaining that plastic and other non-degradable waste is being dumped in huge amounts on the banks of the Periyar River since some time.

The police discovered the attempts to level the river when they reached the spot following these complaints. People allege that the land mafia, in cahoots with a few persons, has been encroaching the lake. The police had taken the earthmover that was used for levelling the lake into custody.

Meanwhile, the health department of Karumaloor panchayat too conducted inspections in the area. The mud and other waste that got accumulated after the road was broken for the Jal Jeevan Mission project too are allegedly used for levelling the lake.

Meanwhile, Kadoopadam native M K Faisal who is also a resident of the area has submitted a complaint to the district collector and the panchayat secretary against dumping waste and levelling the lake.