‘Irrigation department’s priority was black sand’, floods were man-made, reiterates Mathew Kuzhalnadan 

MUVATTUPUZHA: Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA reiterated his allegation that the floods in 2018 were man-made. He said the failure to open the Thottappally Spillway was intended to benefit a private construction company and he continues to stand by that claim. The MLA also said that the irrigation department's priority was only to take the black sand accumulated in the Thottappally spillway.

He pointed that a 2019 government order had warned that the Kuttanad region could be at risk during floods. However, instead of prioritizing the safe release of floodwater, the focus was on removing black sand before water levels rose. He added that in both 2018 and 2019, authorities were more concerned that opening the spillway would lead to loss of sand. Kuzhalnadan described this as an ongoing exploitation in Kerala.

He also alleged a CPM–BJP deal in the matter. Union Minister Suresh Gopi had earlier stated that the Centre had sent a mail to the chief minister regarding the issue in Kuttanad. However, despite the issue gaining significant media attention, the BJP has not responded so far, which he claims indicates a deal. He added that more evidence would be released today.