Efforts on to evict Munnar encroachers

Kochi: The State government on Friday informed the Kerala High Court that it was making earnest efforts to evict encroachers in Munnar region.

The Government submitted that so far 21 revenue officers, who were suspected of being involved in unauthorised encroachments in Peerumedu, Devikulam and Udumbanchola Taluks, were suspended and inquiry Commissioners also were posted to inquire into the matter.

The governmental formed a special investigation team under ADGP (crime branch) to inquire into the issue of bogus pattas and nexus of officials. Action had also been taken against the officials who had carried out manipulation of records.

The eviction action against encroachments in government land in Munnar has been strengthened.

A district-level meeting was being convened every month to review the progress of action and boards were placed indicating the ownership of the government to prevent further encroachment. Criminal cases were being registered against the encroachers.

There is no effective machinery to examine the veracity or genuineness of the new applications for settlement and also to examine the fact whether applicants who have come from Tamil Nadu have their own lands in Tamil Nadu or not, the government submitted.

The report also stated that most of the applicants had separate Election Identity Cards and Ration Cards in Tamil Nadu and they were permanent settlers in Tamil Nadu.