Soured relations with CPM accelerate demolition efforts at PVR park, formerly owned by MLA Anvar

Thiruvambadi (Kozhikode): The Koodaranji village panchayat has finally initiated steps to demolish unauthorised constructions at PVR Naturo Resort in Kakkadampoyil, previously owned by MLA P. V. Anvar, who is in the limelight due to strained ties with the ruling front in Kerala. This action comes eight months after the Kerala High Court ordered the removal of barricades blocking a local stream.

The CPM-led administration at the panchayat decided to invite new tenders for the demolition after Anvar publicly lashed out at the party in early September. Notably, the High Court had originally issued its demolition order on January 31, instructing that four dams built across the forest stream be taken down within a month. The order was issued by Justice Murali Purushothaman, following a petition by T. V. Rajan, a former General Secretary of the All Kerala River Protection Council.

Despite the court order, the resort owners attempted to encircle the upstream area with soil and ultimately blocked the stream part of Iruvazhinji. They also dug a well and constructed concrete drainage systems in the area.

On July 25, the then Collector ordered the demolition, citing potential disaster risks during the rainy season. The owners were instructed to demolish the structures themselves within a month, with the panchayat secretary authorised to proceed with the demolition otherwise and collect the costs from the owners if they failed to comply. However, the owners did not act by the August 25 deadline.

After inviting tenders on September 13, the panchayat found no bidders. Consequently, the emergency ruling committee has now started the process to re-invite tenders for the demolition.

A barricade built by Anvar two kilometres away in Cheengannipalli, Malappuram district, had been demolished earlier following a High Court order.