The Hindu : Kerala News : Conversion of paddy field rampant

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 10, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

Conversion of paddy field rampant

By Radhakrishnan Kuttoor

`LAST HARVEST': Harvesting in progress at a partially converted paddy field at Ezhinjillam in Peringara grama panchayat of Pathanamthitta district.

PATHANAMTHITTA, APRIL 9. Indiscriminate conversion of paddy fields is under way in different parts of Central Travancore, making a mockery of the prevailing laws of the land. The unscientific reclamation has been posing serious threat to the socio-economic and environmental conditions of the region and not to speak of its ill effects in Kuttanad.

The paddy field conversion appeared to have gained momentum during the past one year and in most cases, it is allegedly being linked with one or the other leader of a prominent ruling United Democratic Front partner.

Political interference

It is noteworthy that a regional party in the ruling coalition is at the helm of the Revenue and Registration Departments and its local leaders are allegedly making good use of it. Ironically, the officials concerned, who are supposed to check any such illegal activity, are also keeping mum.

It is also alleged that a ruling party had consciously posted its `favourites' at key positions in the revenue as well as registration offices in the districts where it has got special `interests.'

Reclamation of paddy fields as well as wetlands along MC Road is a brisk business in Thiruvalla taluk.

A private party has managed to fill up not less than two acres of land at Ezhinjillam in Peringara grama panchayat.

In another development, a well-reputed medical institution at Thiruvalla too had reclaimed a large extent of paddy fields in the same panchayat limit for setting up its headquarters and dental college.

Conversion of the wetlands, Mazhuvangad-chira, near Thiruvalla, along MC Road is undergoing fast conversion at the hands of the same medical institution, blatantly violating the laws of the land.

It is noteworthy that the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister who pass by the MC Road not less than twice a week too have been ``feigning innocence'' towards this gross violation of environment protection rules by private parties in the name of ``development.''

Land Use Board

Even the State Land Use Board too has been indifferent towards this rampant paddy field conversion, disregarding its adverse effects on the environment.

The Kerala Congress (M)-led Kozhencherry grama panchayat is also reportedly planning conversion of 125 acres of paddy fields near the panchayat stadium in the name of development.

Illegal paddy field conversion is rampant in Aranmula, Koipram, Peringara, Nedumpram, Kuttoor, Eraviperoor and Pandalam panchayats,

``If you want to convert a paddy field, you may get it done in the minimum possible time with the help of the ``land mafia'' which is readily available on contract in different parts of the State. The indiscriminate conversion has led to earth filling of all the natural streams, leading to flooding of the plains as well as hilly tracts even in the first rain during the monsoon.

The local people and environmentalists are concerned at the ``strange silence'' even on the part of those who have been vocal against paddy field conversion in the present context.

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