THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Land Revenue Commissioner’s report pointing to rampant encroachment in Munnar has flayed panchayat authorities for allowing buildings that flout norms to come up in the ecologically-sensitive region.
The Land Commissioner said the panchayat officers concerned had given permissions to buildings in violation of the prevalent rules. The report said the rules of the Kerala Panchayat Buildings Rules, 2011, have been flouted to give the resort mafia a free hand.
As per rules, buildings with three storeys and above should have proper road connectivity, parking space, waste treatment facility and water availability. However, these facilities are absent in buildings in the high ranges and slopes of Munnar.
The Land Revenue Commissioner also said Idukki District police chief had come out against illegal constructions in the region in his report of January 5.
The Police Chief had said it was dangerous to give permission to six to ten-storey buildings in high regions, which are vulnerable to landslides. Rescue activities would be risky at these places too, he said.
The Land Revenue Commissioner called for separate building rules for Munnar as the present building rules are not applicable in slopes and environmentally-sensitive regions. The Assembly Committee on Environment too had made this recommendation, saying applying the building rules prevalent across the state to Munnar was unscientific. It had recommended framing separate guidelines for the region.
In its special report, the committee said commercial buildings that are a danger to the environment of Munnar must not be given permission. Another major recommendation is on the formation of a Environmental Protection and Development Authority within six months. The authority must ensure constructions, land utilisation, permission for buildings and tourism development activities are done in adherence to the protection of environment and bio-diversity of Munnar. All the constructions in Munnar should be stopped till this authority is formed, the Committee recommended.