Kochi: The Kerala High Court has granted approval to the government to acquire estate land in Wayanad for the rehabilitation of people affected by the landslide disaster. The court issued this ruling under the Disaster Management Act, allowing the government to proceed with the land acquisition, while also emphasising that fair compensation must be provided to the landowners.

The High Court rejected the petition filed by estate owners who sought to stop the land acquisition. The court also instructed the government to ensure due compensation for the owners, and if any disputes arise regarding compensation, the estate owners have the option to take legal action.

Also Read

placeholder

19-year-old woman arrested for sexually assaulting 16-year-old-boy in Kerala

placeholder

Manmohan Singh’s memorable visit to Ezhimala Naval Academy in 2009

placeholder

38 Kerala Revenue Department employees suspended in welfare pension scam

placeholder

M Mukundan: ‘MT is the only Malayalam writer who deserves Nobel Prize’

The government is moving ahead with acquiring land in Harrisons Malayalam Plantation’s Nedumbala Estate (65.41 acres) and Elston Estate in Kalpetta (78.73 acres). This land will be used to build a township for the victims of the Mundakai-Chooralmala landslide. The acquisition process has been contested by estate owners, but the court has cleared the way for it to proceed.

Court’s ruling and legal challenges

Despite opposition from the estate managements, the High Court upheld the land acquisition. District Collector D R Meghasree Sultan had earlier filed a civil case asserting the government's right to acquire the estates. The legal battle raised concerns that it could delay the construction of the planned township for disaster-affected people.

State Revenue Minister K Rajan welcomed the High Court's verdict, stating that the decision to allow the government to acquire land for the rehabilitation of Wayanad reflects the court's understanding of the people's needs and its full recognition of the government's efforts in disaster management.

Within two months of the disaster, the government began efforts to identify land for rehabilitation, alongside disaster management initiatives. Within a month, planning began for the township promised by the Chief Minister to support the victims. The Chief Minister confirmed that a township would be established to meet the needs of those affected by the disaster.