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The Kerala High Court has ruled that no construction activities can take place in Parunthumpara, Idukki, without prior approval from the revenue and Panchayat authorities. The decision follows a special investigation team's (SIT) report on illegal land encroachments. A resort owner had recently installed a crucifix on encroached land, which was later demolished by officials. The court emphasized the need for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the revenue department and a building permit from the local self-government body for any construction. Authorities, including the district police chief, have been instructed to monitor the area to prevent unauthorized activities.
The Kerala High Court has directed that no construction work be carried out in Parunthumpara, Idukki, without prior approval from both the revenue and Panchayat authorities. This order was issued by a division bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and S Muralee Krishna after reviewing a report submitted by a special investigation team (SIT) investigating illegal land encroachments in the region. Advertisement
The SIT, led by IG K Sethuraman, reported widespread encroachments on government-owned land. In response, a special revenue team recently demolished a large crucifix that had been erected on encroached land in Parunthumpara. The structure had been placed by a resort owner in an apparent attempt to prevent eviction.
The High Court stressed that any construction in the area must have a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the revenue department and a valid building permit from the respective local self-government body. It also instructed revenue, police, forest officials, and local self-government authorities to ensure strict compliance with this directive.
Additionally, the court included the district police chief of Idukki as a party to the case, directing him to provide protection to officials responsible for preventing illegal construction. Authorities have also been ordered to monitor the region closely and prevent any unauthorized excavation or construction activities.
The government pleader has been tasked with obtaining directives on the movement of goods vehicles to Parunthumpara. Meanwhile, the district administration and police have been instructed to restrict the transportation of construction materials into the area. Further deliberations on the matter are scheduled to take place soon.
According to the SIT report, encroachments were found on Puramboke land at Parunthumpara, specifically in Survey No. 543, covering 624.84 acres in Peerumade village, and in Survey No. 441, spanning 9,875.96 acres in Manchumala village. The investigation team warned that encroachers were attempting to manipulate the resurvey and digital survey processes to obtain official documents legitimizing their occupation. As a result, the SIT recommended that the state government immediately halt the resurvey and digital survey of Puramboke land in these affected areas.
The Kerala High Court has consistently taken a strict stance against land encroachments, particularly in environmentally fragile areas. In 2019, the court intervened in disputes in Munnar and instructed officials to intensify vigilance against unauthorized construction. The destruction of natural landscapes due to illegal development has raised concerns about environmental degradation, landslides, and flooding in the Western Ghats region, which has further fueled the need for strict regulations.
During the hearing, the special government pleader informed the court that a list of alleged encroachers mentioned in the SIT report would be compiled in a tabular format to assist the court in taking action against them. Additionally, the court included the secretaries of Peerumade and Vandiperiyer Grama Panchayats as respondents in the case.
The Kerala High Court's firm stance on unauthorized construction in Parunthumpara underscores the growing concerns over land encroachments in the region. By halting construction without proper approvals and closely monitoring illegal activities, authorities aim to curb further violations. The restrictions on material transport and the inclusion of district officials in the proceedings reflect the court's intent to enforce stricter oversight.
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