After the famous Munnar eviction drive in 2007, the district administration has completed another major eviction drive at Pooppara in Idukki on Thursday.

According to officials, the process was carried out in accordance with a Kerala High Court order. The district administration removed 88 constructions, including 29 houses, three religious institutions, and 56 commercial establishments built on encroached land on the riverbed of the Panniyar River.

Devikulam Subcollector V.M. Arya confirmed that the drive followed judicial directives. “The eviction process is almost complete, and debris removal will be finished soon,” Ms. Arya said.

The Santhanpara panchayat secretary had previously issued a notice to families living on encroached land, directing them to vacate within 24 hours. Once the notice period expired, the district administration began the eviction at 6 a.m. on Thursday. The operation was led by District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt, Ms. Arya, and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, supported by 500 police personnel and Fire and Rescue Services units from Munnar and Rajakkad. Though the local families protested against the drive initially, the administration proceeded with the demolition.

The legal battle that led to the demolition began in 2022 when some individuals approached the High Court regarding two illegal constructions on the banks of the Panniyar River. The building owners then pointed out that numerous large-scale constructions existed in the area. In response, the court directed the Revenue department to submit a detailed report. An Amicus Curiae appointed by the court submitted findings on illegal structures on the riverbed.

Based on these reports, the court ordered the Revenue department in December 2023 to take action within six weeks. Following delays, the High Court issued an order in January 2024. Consequently, in February 2024, the district administration took over the commercial buildings while allowing families to live in their houses temporarily. Although some vendors filed an appeal in the Supreme Court, the apex court upheld the High Court’s decision, leading to Thursday’s massive eviction.

The Collector said 88 buildings constructed illegally on the Panniyar riverbed were demolished. “The panchayat found that only 12 families, who have no other land or house, are eligible for rehabilitation. The government will take steps to rehabilitate these 12 families,” he said.

“The government cannot compensate those who carried out illegal construction on public land, but we will ensure support for the eligible,” said Mr. Cheruvatt. The Collector further noted that the government would investigate whether any lapses occurred on the part of panchayat officials who allowed the constructions to proceed. “If lapses are found, strict action will be taken. Furthermore, the cost of the demolition will be recovered from the building owners,” he said.

The Collector said the reclaimed land would be used for the rejuvenation of the Panniyar River. “Allowing constructions inside the riverbed leads to major disasters, similar to the floods in Koottar, near Nedumkandam, in 2025. The district administration will continue to take strict action against illegal encroachments,” said Mr. Cheruvatt.