In a major offensive against illegal land conversions, District Collector S. Harikishore has ordered restoration of 42.35 acres of farmland that was illegally converted by a private party at Kaattunilam in Niranom a month ago.
The Collector’s order was on the basis of reports from the Thiruvalla Revenue Divisional Officer, A. Gopakumar, following allegations of the illegal conversion.
In his order (No.C4-9196/2015) issued on April 26, the Collector, invoking the provisions in the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act-2008, has directed the land owner, Geevarghese of Kaattunilathu Puthenpurayil, to restore the illegally converted land to its position before May 15.
CPI welcomes action
Communist Party of India (CPI) district secretary A.P. Jayan has welcomed the stand taken by the District Collector against illegal land conversion.
The CPI has been waging agitation against the illegal land conversions taking place in Upper Kuttanad and surrounding areas, affecting the paddy cultivation in the region.
The CPI too had filed a petition to the Collector, demanding strong action against the illegal land conversion taking place at Kaattunilam a few weeks ago.
Mr Jayan said CPI would continue agitation against illegal land conversion.
