The state government will bring in a comprehensive law to protect the environment in Munnar and to prevent encroachments in the future too.
Political parties in the state, especially the Left Democratic Front allies, CPI (M) and CPI have finally reached a consensus, for zero tolerance towards Munnar encroachments to protect the environment in the ecologically fragile region.
"The list of encroachers is with the government. The action will be stern, especially against the large sharks, so that nobody will think of encroaching land in the future. Encroachments, including that of religious institutions after 1977, will not be accepted," the CM said, as reported by Malayalam dailies.
His statement was after an all-party meeting held on Sunday. The CPI and CPI (M) have been divided over Munnar issues especially after the demolition of a massive Christian cross at Papathisola on April 20.
The CPI is handling the Revenue portfolio.
The all-party meeting also decided to evict all the large-scale encroachments in the hilly toursit spot. The meeting chaired by the chief minister decided to raze the large-scale encroachments in the first phase.
“Title deeds will be distributed to those who have possessed land before 1977. The first phase of distribution of title deeds will be held in Idukki on May 21. The government is not interested in evicting those who have encroached up to ten cents for building houses. The forest area, open spaces and rivers of Munnar will be protected”, the CM said.
Action will be taken against those who have encroached government land for industrial purposes. The CM proclaimed zero-tolerance towards encroachers reports Manorama online.
The CM said that there was no conflict of opinion within the LDF over the Munnar eviction issue.
The meeting was attended by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC president MM Hassan, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan and other CPI leaders. The CM also met environmentalists, religious heads and media representatives prior to the all-party meeting.
Religious organisations urged the state government not to hurt religious sentiments while acting against encroachments in Munnar.