The government will depute a special team headed by Additional Chief Secretary Nivedita P. Haran (Home and Vigilance) for a detailed probe into the alleged encroachments and transfer of land in Kottakambur and Vattavada villages in Idukki district.
The issue had come to light following a declaration given by LDF candidate Joice George that he owned land in the area, while filing nominations from the Idukki constituency for the Lok Sabha elections. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the media after a meeting of the Cabinet here on Wednesday that the special team would have Additional Director-General of Police P. Vijayanand, Chief Conservator of Forests (Protection) Surendra Kumar, and Commissioner of Land Revenue K.V. Mohan Kumar as members.
Survey teamThe Chief Minister said the Cabinet also decided to depute a special survey team to fix the boundaries between private holdings and the Kurinjimala sanctuary, which falls in the villages. Mr. Chandy admitted that the government’s plans for waste disposal did not yield results because of various constraints.
The main one was local resistance against treatment plants since no efficient and eco-friendly models could be demonstrated.
Fresh tenders were now being called for plants using new technology.
He said Rs.5 lakh would be paid as solatium to the family of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who was killed in action against militants in Jammu and Kashmir last week.
