Mannarakkad: Renovation work on a pond not listed in the municipal property records has been halted following protests over the ₹20 lakh allocation approved by the previous municipal council. The work on Nayadukunnu Kaithakkulam Pond had begun recently using the funds allocated by the municipality.

Soon after construction started, local residents demanded that encroached portions of the pond be cleared before any renovation could continue. They pointed out that the pond, originally spanning 19 cents, has now been reduced to less than 9 cents, and insisted that renovation proceed only after the encroached land is vacated. A formal letter to this effect was submitted to municipal authorities.

The allocation of funds had been approved by the former chairman, C Muhammad Basheer, following a request by then councillor, K Mansoor. Allegations have since emerged that approving funds for a pond not registered in municipal property records was a lapse on the part of officials.

Officials, however, clarified that the renovation and funding were intended for the pond as a public water body. In the wake of the controversy, the municipal secretary has temporarily halted the renovation. Residents, at the same time, continue to question whether ₹20 lakh is justified for renovating a pond that now covers only 9 cents.