Thiruvananthapuram: An order which restricted constructions in Idukki district has been re-notified after amendments. The Revenue Department has amended an order dated 22 August 2019 regarding unauthorized constructions in the lands assigned as per Kerlala Land Assignment Rules 1964. Thereby restrictions on construction activities will be limited to eight villages – Chinna Canal, Kannan Devan Hills, Santhanpara, Vellathooval, Anavilasam, Pallivasal, Anaviratti and Bison valley- of Munnar.
No action was taken for a year after the Local Self Government suggested necessary amendments in building construction rules in 2019. Questions were raised from various corners suggesting the implementation of the order in Idukki district as a whole.
The latest order has suggested necessary amendments in the building construction rules in the eight villages exclusively.
In order to solve the land issues in Idukki, the government had taken a decision to regularize the construction for commercial centres in the lands assigned for agricultural purposes. Accordingly, an order was notified in 2019. Along with the order, it was also stipulated that no constructions for commercial purpose shall be made in the lands allotted as per the Land Assignment Rules, contravening the conditions therein.
It was also stipulated that building permit shall be given only as per the village officer's certificate that shows the purpose the land allotted for. The earlier order had that the lands allotted in Idukki as per Land Assignment Rules will be subject to the restriction. This condition caused confusion among the public and hence the new amendment was made.