The Kerala government has directed special revenue department officials to take over the 90-acre land owned by Tata Tea in Chokanad Estate in Idukki district.
Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who is out to re-activate the anti-encroachment drive in Munnar, has visited Tata Tea's Chokkanad Estate. He said the government will take over the land owned by Kanan Devan Hill Plantations at Chokkanad Estate. All the encroachments, big or small, will be cleared and Tatas will not be an exception under any circumstances.
He also has instructed officials for a speedy eviction of all encroachments in Munnar. The chief minister said that the total 52 acres of land reclaimed by the revenue officials in July 2007 would also be re-examined and suitable action would be initiated.
The chief minister, after visiting Pallivasal, Parvathi Hills and Bison Valley, said the acreage of land recovered by the government in Parvathi Hills was found to be less than that of the actual estimate.
He also assured that the reclaimed land would be distributed to landless tribals in the area and the process would be set in motion soon.
He initiated the eviction programme a year ago through a special team led by K Sureshkumar, a senior IAS officer.
The chief minister had faced criticisms even from his own party and the special task force for the anti-encroachment mission. Around 90 buildings were demolished by the team during the June-July period last year.