Political influence on land grabbing

Land encroachments in Idukki and Wayanad are usually discussed only during the assembly sessions. The news of encroachments disappears one the assembly adjourns. Those who encroach and occupy land with the support of political parties are not at all worried about such discussions or eviction threats. They know how to avoid being evicted from the acres of land they have encroached on. This is the situation no matter which government is in power. The government estimates that there are lakhs of people in the state who do not own a single piece of land. That is when those who are influential in the administration and politics acquire immeasurable land on hilltops and other places through encroachments.

The widespread land encroachment in Idukki was not ignored by the opposition parties in the assembly the other day. The opposition also walked out of the assembly, blaming the government for this. It is not yet known whether the announcement made by Revenue Minister K. Rajan in the assembly that the government would take back every inch of the encroached land and evict the encroachers will come true. This is because the history of land encroachment is the same everywhere, not just here.

Everyone knows that no one can seize government land and establish power in a single day. Encroachment also happens with utmost planning. The officials who guard government land know this. There are honest and dishonest ones among them. The honest ones will inform the superiors about the information. However, often no action is taken on their reports. Or even if action is taken, it will be too late. By then, the elites will have already acquired the encroached land. Information about the widespread encroachment in Parunthumpara has been coming in for a long time. The revenue authorities woke up when the media made this an issue. Encroachments have taken place in places like Vagamon, Chokramudi, Chinnakkanal and Kottakamboor as well. The opposition leader said in the assembly that the village officer has been reporting the encroachments in Vagamon to the superiors for three years already. It is very clear that vested interests will be seen behind the lack of any action.

There is political influence behind any land encroachment. Everyone knows the fate of the mission team that went to clear land encroachments in Idukki years ago. It is the revenue officials who help legalize the land being encroached. Therefore, along with evicting the encroachments, action should be taken to remove those who helped legalize such illegal land encroachments. Even though the Revenue Ministry claims in the assembly that action has been taken against all encroachments, it should not be forgotten that local residents are among those who are suspected. The minister said that no officer in the Revenue Department will be seen supporting encroachers. It would be a good thing if they did so. The chances of encroachment can be reduced if the digital survey is completed as soon as possible in areas like Idukki where encroachments are taking place. Government land should not be allowed to fall into the hands of influential people. Stern action must be taken against land encroachments.