Munnar: The special revenue task force led by the district collector, set up to conduct an anti-encroachment drive in Idukki, began operations and reclaimed 229.76 acres of land on Thursday. The task force officials reclaimed 224.21 acres of land (under survey numbers 12,13,14,15,16) in Anaviratty village of Devikulam taluk and 5.55 acres of tea plantation (under survey number 209/2) in Chinnakanal village of Udumbanchola taluk. 

The anti-encroachment drive was monitored by tehsildar Seema Joseph. The encroached land belonged to a private party, Tijo Anikkathottam, a resident of Chinnakkanal. The buildings located in these lands were sealed by the officials too. 

According to district collector Sheeba George, the encroachment did not have any legal backing and further measures will be taken after considering the party’s eligibility for title deeds. She further termed the allegations against the government's move, taken as per a high court order, as baseless. 

Meanwhile, locals protested against the eviction drive. However, the tehsildar stated that the resources gathered from the land will be auctioned after submitting a report to the collector in this regard.

Earlier, the state revenue department had informed the high court about 310 acres of encroached land and 57 illegal constructions in Munnar. The eviction drive is likely to continue in the coming days.