Strike leaves pilgrims high and dry

CHOTTANIKKARA: Hundreds of pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were affected by the strike declared by hotels and shops in Chottanikkara on Tuesday. The panchayat authorities had sealed off drainage pipes leading from the shops after it was found that septic tank waste was being dumped straight into the canals. The strike was in protest against the action of the panchayat authorities. As Tuesdays are auspicious days for worshipping at Chottanikkara temple, pilgrims and devotees began to flow into the temple early. As the hotels and shops were closed, pilgrims crowded before the oottupura of the temple to get the free meal served as part of Mandala Maholsavam.The authorities said the huge pipes connected to the public drainage system carried septic tank waste. “We are going to take strict action against the hotels,” panchayat secretary Rathna Bhai said. Though the shopowners planned a rally to the panchayat office, they cancelled it since they were divided on the issue.“The panchayat also sealed the pipes of the Devaswom Guest House,” said Vidyasagar, executive officer of Chottanikkara Devaswom. “Since the pipes carried drainage water and no other waste, we have sought legal remedies,” Vidyasagar said.