Alleged illegal land-filling along under-construction bypass draws flak

Environmental activists and local residents’ collectives have sought immediate action by the Revenue department authorities to expose the alleged illegal land-filling activities along the Nandi-Chengottukavu bypass, which is under construction. Several acres of unused paddy fields are reportedly under the illegal land-filling threat, which is yet to be exposed through flash inspections. 

“Some real estate agents and greedy landowners are suspected to be behind land-filling attempts. As the road construction work is now in full swing, it is difficult for anyone to understand the slow-paced move,” said a local environmental activist from Koyilandy. He complained that people were scared to come out in the open against such filling attempts, fearing retaliation by realty agents.

According to members of local residents’ forums, illegal land-filling would eventually cause huge water scarcity in nearby locations like Melur, Panthalayani, and Moodadi. Since the commencement of the road construction work, several acres have already been levelled legally, as there were no other alternatives, they said.

A former Agriculture department official said paddy field owners in Nandi and Chengottukavu areas are very much aware that they would not be able to unload soil in abandoned paddy fields easily after the completion of the road projects with retaining walls. “The landowners’ effort is to complete the filling works ahead of the construction of retaining walls on either side of the road,“ he said.

“Since there is no action forthcoming from the Revenue squads, we are planning to submit a petition directly to the District Collector. Senior Revenue officials will also be informed about the illegal practice,” said N.C. Ashraf, a local residents’ association member. He added that residents’ forums would be compelled to resort to protest action if the squads cold-shouldered their demands.

Meanwhile, Revenue department sources said officials had already inspected a few suspected locations following complaints. There would be appropriate action on completion of land inspections with the support of field staff, they added.