Kerala to take stern action against encroachments in Munnar

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today said the government would take stern action against encroachments in Munnar in Idukki district and construction of tourist resorts there would be regulated.
"Government will not in any way encourage encroachments, but would resolve problems faced by farmers and also the land issue," Vijayan told reporters here.
Government would not treat those who had settled years ago in the district as 'encroachers', Vijayan said.
"What is required is a environmentally friendly building plan," he said.
With regard to mushrooming of tourist resorts in high range Munnar, Vijayan said government plans to bring in certain regulation on tourist resorts, which should be in tune with the number of tourists visiting the area.

Vijayan, who held a meeting with the local representatives of the district on alleged encroachments and related land issue, said everybody wanted that the environment in the area should not be affected.

The government's policy is that while preserving nature, problems of the people and farmers also would be protected, he said.
On the allegation that local MLA S Rajendran (CPI-M) had encroached land,Vijayan said it was an "old allegation."
Rajendran had constructed house in 'pattayam' (land title document) land, he said.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala today visited Munnar and asked the government to take steps to clear 'big' encroachments. There should be separate guidelines for construction of buildings in Munnar, he added.

Chennithala also wanted government to constitute a Development Authority for Munnar.