'Cliff will be protected at any cost'; MoS Suresh Gopi after visiting Varkala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi assured about bringing development to Varkala but not at the cost of harming the scenic Varkala cliff. He said further steps will be taken after the expert committee on tourism projects submits a detailed report to the central ministry.

The minister's reaction came after visiting the recently collapsed hills alongside a delicately balanced cliff area in Varkala. MoS Suresh Gopi said he would later discuss the matter with tourism minister Mohammed Riyas, who was scheduled to be in Varkala but had to back out citing inconvenience.

The four-acre hills adjacent to the Varkala Papanasam beach are declared as a land heritage site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). In 2014, the GSI had already advised not to allow permanent constructions here considering the quality of the soil. The report also suggested major environmental problems and landslides if breached the rules. The balimandapam for performing the last rites of deceased souls and the toilet complex were constructed here caring less about the report from GSI.

This year in May, the region witnessed a rare landslide making the alarm bells ringing. The district collector had then ordered to level the slope and used JCB to level the slope and thus prevent further landslides. This led to huge protests from locals forcing the union minister to visit the spot and take note of the situation. Former Union Minister V Muraleedharan and GSI's Joint Director Dr. Ambili were also present.