In a major anti-encroachment drive, the Idukki district administration on Thursday demolished 88 illegal structures, including commercial establishments and houses, that were built on government land and obstructed the flow of the Panniyar River at Pooppara town in Udumbanchola taluk. As many as 56 individuals had encroached on river puramboke and roadside land, initially constructing temporary structures that were later converted into concrete buildings.
Eviction Drive Under Disaster Management Act
Idukki collector Dineshan Cheruvatt oversaw the eviction drive, carried out under the Disaster Management Act, with a heavy police presence following directions from the Kerala High Court. The collector stated that the government would rehabilitate only 12 persons identified by the Santhapara panchayat as not owning any other land or house.
"Those who spent lakhs of rupees on unauthorized constructions are not eligible for rehabilitation. However, genuine beneficiaries with no alternative land or housing will be protected in coordination with the local self-government institution," said Cheruvatt.
Panchayat Under Scrutiny
The collector added that the administration would examine whether there was any lapse on the part of the panchayat in permitting the illegal constructions and warned that strict action would follow if any negligence was found. The demolition expenses will be recovered from the owners of the illegal buildings.
Cheruvatt emphasized that violation of rules protecting rivers and waterways to construct illegal structures could result in major disasters. Recalling last year's flood at Koottar, he warned that the administration would take strict action against encroachments that increase disaster risks. The reclaimed land would be utilized for the rejuvenation of the river, he added.
Timeline of Legal and Administrative Actions
The eviction began around 6 am after prohibitory orders were imposed under the jurisdiction of Santhanpara police station. Devikulam sub-collector V M Arya, deputy collector (disaster management) K P Deepa, and officials from the revenue and local self-government departments supervised the operation.
The village officer issued stop memos on October 13, 2022, directing owners to halt construction. The occupants approached the High Court, which on January 17, 2023, directed the revenue authorities to raze the illegal buildings. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court order. In February 2024, a special task force led by then Idukki sub-collector Arun S Nair sealed commercial buildings and issued notices asking residents to vacate structures used solely for residential purposes.
The district disaster management authority also directed the Santhanpara panchayat secretary to remove the encroachments after finding that the illegal constructions were obstructing the flow of the Panniyar River and could cause major disasters during monsoon.
In February this year, notices were issued directing owners to raze the illegal structures within 30 days. The revenue department initiated demolition proceedings after the deadline expired.
