KOZHIKODE: The ecologically fragile land near the forest off Kakkadampoyil in Koodaranji grama panchayat is facing threat from a resort being constructed by a benami of Mr P.V. Anvar MLA, it is alleged. The multi-storied resort is coming up at a place 3,000 feet above ground level on the hillock of Nayadampoil. It belongs to a Palakkad native, who runs the canteen at the controversial water theme park of Mr Anvar, it is reported. The locals, who allege that the resort is the benami construction of the MLA, had approached the revenue divisional officer for a probe. “The construction is on ecologically sensitive area. The site is near the place where a landslide occurred recently,” alleged Sebin Payyabilli, a local resident.
The spot with steep terrain is prone to natural disaster. The forest personnel visited the spot on Monday but found that the construction was not in forest land. “Neither the building nor the roads constructed up Nayadampoil are in the forest land. But the forest land is closer. There is no law stipulating that a construction should be far away from the forest land. But the place has ecological importance and it may fall in the ecologically sensitive area,” said district forest officer K.K. Sunil Kumar.
But the people fear that such construction could impact the land which is steep and close to the forest. Koodaranji grama panchayat vice- president V.A. Naseer said that permission had been given for constructing four villas and that it was not in forest land. “The panchayat has permitted construction of four villas. No such environment concern was raised. The landslip occurred down the site due to the monsoon,” he said. The local people are awaiting the RDO’s stand on the issue.
