THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has decided to bring in restrictions on constructions in Munnar, especially of resorts.
After a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss the land-related issues in Munnar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the government would take stringent action against encroachments in the region.
Responding to queries, Pinarayi rejected reports of alleged encroachment by Devikulam MLA S Rajendran. Allegations against the MLA that came up earlier too were proven wrong, he said. Pinarayi also rejected reports of Rajendran voicing threats against revenue officers.
“Idukki is a place with many geographical specialities. The government is of the view its special environment has to be protected. The government will also protect the farmers there,” Pinarayi said.
On cutting trees
The meeting decided the cutting of 28 types of trees for which permission has already been given should be allowed to go ahead. All pending title deeds will be issued by the end of April.
The High Court has observed revenue officers should be assigned to issue permits for buildings.
“Currently the Sub-collector does this task. It’s difficult for him to handle permits in a vast area,” the Chief Minister said. Two options were presented before the meeting, he said. “That the Sub-collector hold camp sittings may not be practical. The second option -- to decentralise, to give more revenue officers the power to issue building permits is being considered. The Revenue Department will take a call,” Pinarayi said.
The Chief Minister said the meeting took a unanimous decision to take strict action against encroachers. “No soft approach towards encroachments. However, those living at a place for hundreds of years will not be evicted,” Pinarayi said.
Necessary restrictions would be brought in on constructions looking at the geographical specialities of Munnar. Resort constructions will be streamlined.
“The need for resorts is only as much as the number of people staying in the area. Only then the speciality of Munnar can be protected. This aspect will be looked into and necessary action will be taken,” the Chief Minister said.