The district administration has formed taluk-level special squads to prevent unauthorised soil excavation and reclamation of wetlands.
The move is intended to prevent any let-up in vigil against such activities, particularly when Revenue and police officials are engaged in election-related responsibilities.
District Collector Biju Prabhakar said inspection wing of the Revenue Department led by the respective Additional Tahsildar in each taluk had been entrusted with the responsibilities of the special squads, which would also include village officers.
A caution
The Collector cautioned that the squads would be empowered with the authority to initiate action under provisions of the Kerala Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 1967, and the Kerala Paddy Land and Wetlands Conservation Act, 2008.
The vehicles and machinery used for such illegal activities will also be confiscated.
Besides issuing stop memos for such activities, the squads will also include details regarding the illegal reclamation or excavations in the remarks columns of the land tax receipt and ‘thandaper’ register.
Daily reports in this regard will also be submitted to the District Collector for further action.
The administration has urged the public to report information regarding such illegal activities to the Additional Tahsildar concerned.
Contact numbers of the officials are Additional Tahsildar, Thiruvananthapuram – 8547617444, Additional Tahsildar, Chirayinkeezhu – 8547610401, Additional Tahsildar, Nedumangad – 8547610301, Additional Tahsildar, Neyyattinkara – 8547610201, Additional Tahsildar, Varkala – 9447744949, Additional Tahsildar, Kattakada – 9497267766.
