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In an urgent response to the burgeoning issue of illegal construction around Neyyar Dam, the irrigation department has issued stern notices to the local panchayat authorities. This initiative targets the eradication of unlawful structures erected within the protected forest land surrounding the dam, which is owned by the department.
Officials from the irrigation department have sounded alarms over the widespread illegal construction of buildings, predominantly for hospitality purposes. "The number of illegal constructions is growing, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down," warns a department official.
A meticulous investigation led by the department identified seven resorts and a significant number of additional buildings that have been erected in violation of existing regulations around Neyyar Dam. As part of the conservation efforts to ensure the security and integrity of the dam, a buffer zone extending 100 meters from the dam has been officially designated as protected land. Despite this, construction activities have been conducted rampantly within this restricted zone, with some resorts built as close as 30 meters to the dam.
In a candid admission of administrative lapses, the official disclosed that despite several alerts sent to panchayat authorities, a blind eye has been turned to these encroachments, thereby indirectly abetting these violations. The protected land in question falls under the jurisdiction of two panchayats: Amboori and Kallikadu, however, the illegal constructions have been detected only in the Amboori region.
Amboori Panchayat President Valsala Raju, in response to this, stated that the issue has now been flagged and that steps are being initiated to issue notices to the owners of these unlawful resorts. This move has been a source of contention within the panchayat, especially as opposition members in the Congress-ruled Amboori panchayat have repeatedly raised objections to permitting such constructions in the past.
Compounding the gravity of the situation, opposition members of the Amboori panchayat have alleged that these constructions have been taking place with the implicit consent of the panchayat authorities. Furthermore, they claim that 'unauthorized occupancy' certificates were issued to these buildings, facilitating the procurement of essential utilities such as electricity and water connections.
In conclusion, the escalating tension surrounding the illegal constructions near Neyyar Dam brings the governance of local authorities under scrutiny, challenging the delicate balance between development and environmental conservation. This issue demands urgent redressal to preserve the integrity of the protected lands and ensure the safety and security of the critical Neyyar Dam infrastructure.
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