The Congress-led UDF on Monday pledged to revoke what it called the illegal conversion of revenue land into forest land in Idukki district if it returns to office. It also promised a permanent solution to the hill district’s long-pending land disputes.

Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan made the assurance during an interaction programme titled ‘Samvadikkam Puthuyugathinayi’, held as part of his ‘Puthuyuga Yatra’.

Promise of permanent land settlement

Satheesan said thousands of residents in Idukki were enduring hardship due to what he described as government apathy, negligence and inconsistent stands taken before courts in land-related matters.

“When the UDF comes to power, the land issues in the district will be permanently resolved,” he said.

He added that a comprehensive ‘Idukki document’ would be prepared, incorporating the district’s key concerns to ensure time-bound solutions.

The Opposition leader also noted that a conclave highlighting Idukki’s issues had earlier been organised under the leadership of UDF MP Dean Kuriakose.

Allegations over forest notification, project delays

Alleging administrative delays, Satheesan said two government departments had adopted differing positions on the Neriamangalam road project, resulting in prolonged inaction.

He further alleged that around 54,000 acres were notified as forest land during the tenure of former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and over the past ten years under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. According to him, the majority of that land was in fact revenue land.

“Land that has been wrongly notified as forest will be denotified by the UDF government,” he said.

Stand on patta buildings and wildlife attacks

Satheesan also opposed the move to regularise buildings constructed on patta land by levying fees. He argued that the structures had already been built after paying the required amounts and that imposing additional charges would amount to “double collection”.

The senior leader further alleged that complaints of rising wildlife attacks were emerging from various districts and that compensation had not been adequately provided.

Accusing the government of failing to take effective measures to prevent wildlife attacks, he said a comprehensive plan would be implemented if the UDF assumes power.