Encroachment on government land on the rise in Idukki’s Wagamon
Government land is being encroached on a large scale across Wagamon hills here, according to sources. Illegal constructions are progressing unchecked on the meadows there
Government land is being encroached on a large scale across Wagamon hills here, according to sources. Illegal constructions are progressing unchecked on the meadows there, they said. Large real estate groups have reportedly purchased nearly 25 acres of land on the meadows to carry out constructions. The land was originally allotted for the Indo-Swiss project. Following the completion of the project, the land was supposed to be handed over to the Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLD), the Forest department, and the Tourism department. Taking advantage of delays in marking the boundaries, some groups have encroached on the government land and sold it off to major investors.
The buyers are now carrying out construction activities on the property. A Revenue department source said that title deed distribution or construction is strictly ruled out in the meadows. “However, the title deeds were issued for the meadows, and construction activities are being carried out. The natural grassland meadows are the main attraction of Wagamon. Normally, the title deeds are issued for farming purposes, but no farming is being done on these meadows,” the source said. Idukki Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Mini K. John said the Revenue department will take strict action against land encroachments. “The Peerumade Land Records (LR) tahsildar has been directed to investigate the title status and other details regarding the land,” the official said.
Peerumade MLA Cyriac Thomas alleged that a land mafia is operating on the Wagamon hills to facilitate encroachments on government land. “I have demanded that the District Collector and the Revenue Minister take strict action against illegal constructions and land encroachments on the hills. I will meet Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar on Monday to demand immediate action,” Mr. Thomas said. He added that ongoing construction on the Wagamon meadows is entirely illegal. “Some large groups have already purchased the lands and started construction,” he said. Anilkumar affirmed that the Revenue department will take stern action against illegal constructions and land encroachments in the region.
Last week, the Revenue department had evicted encroachers from nearly 10 acres of government land at Varattumedu, near Wagamon. Officials demolished illegal structures on the site and installed a government property signboard. Wagamon is rapidly emerging as one of the top tourist destinations in Idukki. “The high tourist footfall is attracting the resort mafia to the hills,” a source noted.
The BriefWire