Devikulam sub-collector Sriram Venkataraman leading Munnar eviction shifted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet on Wednesday shifted Devikulam sub collector Sriram Venkataraman who was leading the drive against encroachments in Munnar. He has been promoted and posted as director Employment and Training. Manathavady sub collector Prem Kumar will be the new Devikulam Sub Collector. Coming as it is a day after the High Court directed revenue department to recover 22 cents of government land encroached by a resort owner in Munnar, the Cabinet decision has triggered a major controversy.

The owner had challenged the eviction notice issued by Mr Sriram in the HC. Local leaders of CPM, a section of CPI and Congress leaders in Mu-nnar too had come out in support of the encroacher. However, the revenue minister put its foot down saying since the matter was pending in the court, the government should not recall the notice. Even the all party meeting convened by Chief Minister decided to wait for the High Court verdict on the 22 cents of encroached land.

Revenue minister E. Chandrashkeharan who had all along backed Srir-am Venkatram sought to play down the matter. “It’s only a routine administrative decision pertaining to promotion of anofficer. Nothing more should be read into it. All sub collectors of his batch have already been promoted. Do you want him to stagnate in his present post,” he asked.

When asked about CPI district secretary’s criticism of transfer decision, the minister said; “It is his opinion. I have given my opinion. We are free to give our opinions. There shouldn't be any apprehension about our stand on encroachments. The encroachments are being removed in Idukki as part of LDF policy. The new officer will continue to implement the same policy,” Chandrashekharan said. The CPI district secretary Sivarman, however, had a different take on Sriram’s shifting. “The decision has created serious doubts in the minds of people about the future course of anti encroachment drive in Munnar.