The Kerala Water Authority has sought more powers from the government to remove unauthorised construction on its assets. The move comes in the wake of widespread encroachment of its land, particularly along its distribution network
The KWA board which met on May 29 passed a resolution seeking enabling powers to implement the Kerala Land Conservancy (Amendment) Act, 2009. “We have sought amendment to the Act so that we can evict unauthorised occupants. We are yet to receive any communication from the government,” said a senior official.
The KWA, an official said, has also sought more coordination from the Revenue Department as lack of clarity in documents had hampered the water authority’s fight in retrieving encroached land as it happened in the Kowdiar- Vellayambalam stretch.
“Lack of documentary evidence has created lot of problems in conducting a drive to identify encroachment on Kowdiar-Vellayambalam stretch. Several private parties have approached court questioning our claim on property. Proper documentation will strengthen our legal battle,” said the official.
