THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Governor will sign the bill passed by the Legislature to regulate all constructions other than houses on leased land. Last week when the Governor came to Idukki, the LDF staged a hartal in this regard.

LDF was planning to approach the Supreme Court demanding that the bill be signed or sent back. Minding this move, the Governor has now decided to sign the bill that was passed way back in September. The government claims that all the land problems in Idukki will be solved if the bill is turned into law.

Previously, the governor asked for an explanation on the bill twice from the government but to no avail. Bharatiya Vicharakendram Secretary KC Sudhir Babu had filed a complaint with the Governor citing ambiguity in the bill. The governor has assessed that most of the illegal constructions in Munnar and other hilly areas are commercial establishments and alleged that the law amendment is intended to protect large constructions and party offices. The Governor also pointed out that the Bill is intended to overcome the restrictions upheld by the Supreme Court for commercial constructions on leased land.

The district administration found 226 illegal constructions in eight villages of Munnar and reported them to the High Court. Most of it is in Pattaya land (leased land)in Idukki Devikulam taluk. The High Court had stopped the construction of CPM offices in Shanthanpara, Udumbanchola and Bison Valley. The governor also assessed that there is no clarity about the quarries and resorts in Pattaya land. However, the bill is being signed considering the regularization of livelihood constructions which will benefit thousands of common people.