What Chief Minister said: Look before you evict

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chastising Idukki district administration for demolishing the cross at Pappathichola, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday issued strict direction to officers to complete all legal/official formalities before evicting encroachers.

The government also prohibited the use of earthmovers in Munnar.  Pinarayi said the decision was taken considering the ecological fragility of the area.

He also instructed the officers to give priority to evict largescale encroachments but asked them to wait till an all party meet. After the high level meeting, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan said the eviction  drive would continue.