Date:01/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/01/stories/2008100150650100.htm

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VS assesses Munnar situation

A Correspondent

Taking stock of the situation: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan visits Parvathi Hills at Munnar on Tuesday.

MUNNAR: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan on Tuesday said five acres was illegally occupied by Tata at Pallivasal and grandis was found cultivated on the occupied land.

He said instances of unauthorised occupation would be discussed with the officials concerned and action initiated.

The Chief Minister, after visiting Pallivasal, Parvathi Hills and Bison Valley, said the acreage of land resumed by the government in Parvathi Hills was found to be less than that of the actual estimate.

“This will be discussed in detail with senior officials of the departments concerned and action will be taken.”

Munnar, he said, was a place of convergence of three rivers and the name did not make sense as rivers were being encroached upon here. “There is law to protect rivers and constructions cannot be done within 50 ft of rivers.”

The government had filed a case in the Supreme Court and an order was expected within two weeks.

He visited the Oak Fort resort area and the construction of the resort in violation of Cardamom rules would be discussed with officials on Wednesday.

Asked about the ‘failure’ to evict all illegal constructions and ‘some individuals’ rebuilding portions demolished by the special team, he said, if given details, necessary action would be taken.

Revenue Minister K.P. Rajendran and Forest Minister Benoy Viswom would arrive on Wednesday and would hold discussions with officials on redistribution of government land nearby Munnar to landless people. He said satellite survey was still continuing in Munnar to assess unauthorised occupation.

He will return by Wednesday noon.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by special team chief K.M. Ramanandan, Collector Ashok Kumar Singh and Superintendent of Police P.K. Kuttappayi.