Another encroachment attempt reported on Chokramudi hills

The plot which was illegally cleared of vegetation, including Neelakurinji, in the Chokramudi hills on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Encroachment attempt was once again reported on the Chokramudi hills in Bison Valley panchayat, which had earlier witnessed large-scale illegal constructions.

According to Chokramudi Protection Council vice-chairperson Baiju Balakrishnan, a group of 10 people from Adimaly on Thursday destroyed the lock of a gate, fixed by local people, on the path leading up to the hills and cleared vegetation on a plot on the hills. “They cleared nearly an acre of land and destroyed rare plants, including Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana),” said Mr. Balakrishnan.

According to council members, workers cleared the plot with machines, which led to the destruction of thousands of Neelakurinji.

The members of the council alerted the Rajakkad police about the situation. The workers dispersed as soon asthe police arrived.

Devikulam Subcollector V.M. Jayakrishnan said he had asked the Devikulam tehsildar to submit a report on the incident. “Directive is also issued to the Munnar Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) to register criminal case against the encroachers,” said Mr. Jayakrishnan.

V.K. Shabu, the convener of the council, filed a complaint with the Bison Valley village officer demanding strict action against the encroachers. Council members alleged that the Revenue department had failed to take strict action against persons involved in previous encroachments, which resulted in such repeated attempts. “The department’s actions against the encroachers remain on paper,” said Mr. Balakrishnan.

In September 2024, the District Collector had banned all construction activities in the Chokramudi hills under the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Act.