Those with NOC for building houses break rules in Munnar

IDUKKI: Chinnakkanal near Munnar has been mired in controversies related to land encroachments and illegal construction activities. In a short period of three months, 67 home construction NOCs were issued under Chinnakkanal village office, and majority of them were from outside the district.

The high court had, in 2010, entrusted the power of giving NOC for construction activities with the district collector.

The order came after considering the ecological sensitivity of the area.

The court also ordered that local bodies should ensure that construction works in and around Munnar town were done with the prior NOC from revenue department.

“But later the government transferred the home construction NOC issuing authority to tehsildars and village officials. Revenue sources said that most of the home construction NOC holders were outsiders and they planned to construct resorts and home stays in the name of home construction. Large number of outsiders, including a resident of Goa, receiving NOCs for house construction is unusual,” said a source.

Meanwhile, Udumbanchola tehsildar (LR) K S Joseph said: “We will not permit commercial construction activities in Chinnakkanal. Presently, the revenue department has been issuing NOCs for home construction activities. If anyone violates the order we will take strict action,” said the official.