IDUKKI: Amid reports of large-scale encroachments and illegal constructions in Munnar,Union Minister of State(MoS) for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution C R Choudhary on Saturday undertook a fact-finding mission to the hill station.
Choudhary mainly visited three places--a private resort at Chithirapuram, where the encroachment was cleared by the revenue officials recently; another resort at Pallivasal, the compound wall of which had been reduced to rubble by the boulders from the nearby hillock, and the land held by Devikulam MLA S Rajendran in Munnar town.
According to the minister, he had indeed come across a few violations, which would be conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
“I visited Munnar following complaints from the public regarding the encroachments and major violation of rules in the construction activities there. Since it is a state subject, the Centre will provide counsel on the issue of environment as well as disaster management.
Besides, “I will submit a report to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister regarding my findings. I hope they will take the necessary follow-up decision,” he told reporters.
Even as he called for stern action to stop the encroachments, Choudhary said he would discuss with the public the developmental activities in Munnar. BJP state vice president George Kurien, district chief Binu Kaimal and other local leaders accompanied the minister on the visit.