Coming out strongly against Joice George, MP from the Idukki segment, over the Mamalakkandom road controversy, Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan on Sunday said the government will crackdown on any illegal activity taking place under the cover of protecting Adivasi rights.
Mr. Radhakrishnan told presspersons that the government was committed to settling all issues faced by the tribespeople in the two colonies of Mamalakkandom in the interiors of Idukki district to their satisfaction.
He alleged that Mr. George and his followers were holding the tribespeople hostage so that they could stir up the latter’s problems whenever they wanted. “They do not want to find a lasting solution, but to perpetuate the problems,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
The Minister said he had received a number of complaints on fresh attempts to alienate tribal land by offering tobacco and other presents to the Adivasis.
Financial aid“We have taken a decision to take account of the issues faced by the tribespeople directly, and extend them financial assistance,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
Projects would be given shape in consultation with the Ooorukoottam (tribal council) and the Forest Development Committees under the Department of Forests and Wildlife. The government had earmarked Rs.50 lakh each to the two colonies at Mamalakkandom, he said.
On the agitation launched by Mr. George with regard to the culverts on the Emblassery-Aavarukutty road in the Neryamangalam forest range, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the MP was using intimidation to force the government to his will. “This will not be allowed at any cost,” he said.
The Minister said there were certain technicalities involved in sanctioning eight-metre-wide culverts. The government had already allocated one acre of forest land for the construction of the road. However, for the completion of the road, an additional 4.75 acres of land was needed, for which special sanction from the regional office of the Ministry of Environment and Forests at Bangalore was mandatory.
“Mr. George is fully aware of this, but is trying to expedite things by intimidating the government machinery,” the Minister alleged.
