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STF officials visit plantation to assess land

Staff Reporter

MUNNAR: Officials under the Special Task Force (STF) on Saturday inspected an estate owned by a private plantation company at Santhanpara, about 40 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Nedunkandam road to begin assessment of the land in possession of the company.

The estate, spread over the lush green hills, is learnt to be owned jointly by a few persons, including a lawyer based in Kochi. It has title deeds for land extending over 600 acres, but more than double that area is allegedly under illegal occupation. A team of visiting journalists found a farm within the estate where birds, rabbits, and cattle were being reared.

The estate is adjacent to forest tracts bordering Tamil Nadu. A slushy road within the estate stretches till the Tamil Nadu border on

the hills from where there are breathtaking views of Thevaram and beyond in Tamil Nadu.

The spot is a favourite locale for film shooting, according to local sources.

The estate has a few check-dams. There are also locations where strong and steady winds blow, suitable for setting up wind farms. A well- known tour operator is understood to be arranging special tour packages to visit the scenic location, in association with the estate-owners.

The officials said the procedures for assessment of land will be initiated in the coming days.

The estate was reportedly in the possession of a well-known film star a few years ago. It was sold to a Trust based in Idukki and the present owner reportedly bought it from the Trust.

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