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A major concern highlighted is the cancellation of pattayams belonging to about 50 families in the Veeranchira area. It has sought scrutiny under Kerala Forest Act, 1961, and other applicable laws. Questioning the legality of the proposed and ongoing highway construction and widening works, the complaint demands verification of mandatory central govt approvals under Section 2 of Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. Kochi : ANEC Trust, an NGO, has lodged a complaint with senior forest officials, demanding an independent vigilance investigation into alleged irregularities involving forest land assignments, cancellation of title deeds and possible violations of forest conservation laws along the Hill Highway corridor in Thrissur. The complaint points out irregularities along the stretch from Randukai to Chaayippankuzhi via Veeranchira and the section between Chaayippankuzhi and Vettillappara. The land is reportedly classified as forest land under the present official records. ANEC Trust has called for a detailed examination of the original land assignments, cancellation orders, revenue records, forest notifications and survey documents to establish the legal status of the properties. The Trust has alleged that land classified as reserve forest between Chaayippankuzhi and Vettillappara may have been assigned to private individuals without following the mandatory dereservation procedures. The NGO has sought a field inspection, independent vigilance inquiry and accountability for any administrative irregularities, negligence or collusion established during the investigation. It has demanded that no unauthorised non-forest activity or irreversible alteration of the disputed land be permitted until its legal status and statutory approvals are verified. The complaint has been forwarded to the central empowered committee, secretary of ministry of environment, forest and climate change and deputy inspector general of forests (wildlife). The Trust has called for a transparent, time-bound investigation and appropriate legal action wherever violations are established. Download the TOI App.