M M Mani criticizes revenue department’s action of evacuating encroachments in Munnar; will not back out even if opposed, says Minister K Rajan

IDUKKI: The process of evacuating encroachments has started in Munnar again. Evacuating the cultivation of cardamom on government land in Anayirangal- Chinnakanal area. Five acres of encroached land in Chinnakanal were evacuated. The team led by the Tehsildar started the evacuation process early morning.

The area of cardamom cultivation mentioned in the report of district collector given to the court was evacuated. Buildings in the area were sealed and a board of government land was placed at the evacuated site. Meanwhile, the locals protested against the encroachment. The locals complained that the officials issued notices to small encroachers also.

Meantime, M M Mani MLA criticized revenue department’s evacuation procedures. ‘Don't call those who migrated to Munnar as encroachers. Don't evict the cultivators who own fair land in Munnar. Those who received notices to vacate the encroachment should have gone to the court if their land was legal. The mission team should be ready to give the canceled title deed before evacuating the encroachment. The action other than that are utter nonsense,' said Mani.

Revenue Minister K Rajan said action will be taken against major encroachments. Migration and encroachment will be seen as two. The government's aim is not to evict those who own less than five cents of land. There are no precedents before the state in the Munnar mission. No one should misunderstand that JCBs and black cats are the hallmark of the mission. The mission should not be seen as cinematic action. The government is implementing the verdict of the high court. The minister stated that even if there are political objections, will go ahead with the action.