IDUKKI: The observation of the Supreme Court, while admitting the Kerala Government’s appeal against the High Court verdict on resorts on cardamom lands in Munnar, is likely to affect a large number of resorts, under construction in and around Munnar, the tourism hotspot in Idukki.
The Bench of Justice P C Ghose and Justice A M Sapre on Friday observed diversion of the land designated for cultivation of cardamom was ‘a case of some gravity’
According to reports, resort owners will be forced to stop the construction of around 70 per cent of the resorts, predominantly in Pallivasal, Pothamedu and Chinnakkanal.
“Nearly 100 resorts are being constructed on cardamom lands in Munnar and surrounding areas flouting rules. The construction of the resorts, with three star facilities, is in the final stages. The work will be stopped in view of the intervention of the apex court,” said a Revenue Department officer on condition of anonymity.
There were reports construction work was progressing despite the higher officials issuing a ‘stop memo’. The functioning of a particular resort in Munnar, which was taken over by the government during the demolition drive and later leased out to the owners, will also be affected. However, leaders of the Munnar Hotels and Resorts Association (MHRA) were confident the apex court order will not have any impact on the sector.
MHRA president Manoj Pottankulam said no resorts were functioning in the Cardamom lands in Munnar.
“Almost all resorts and hotels have been functioning strictly in compliance with the guidelines issued by the government. We have taken permission from the respective authorities and have the sale documents to prove our point. However, some constructions, which are not on cardamom lands, have been stopped for different reasons,” he said.