Plot for Tribal King’s palace donated by HAV & Vanvasi Vikas Kendra

The land required for the construction of a palace for Kovilmala King Raman Rajamannan has been handed over in a function held in Kovilmala. Even though money was allotted by state government, the procedure was stalled owing to non availability of the right plot for the purpose. Following the hindering causes, Hindu Aikya Vedi and Vanvaasi Vikas Kendra swung into action and acquired 25 cents of land. Meanwhile speaking on the occasion, state general secretary of Hindu Aikya Vedi Kummanam Rajashekharan condemned the politically backed move of uprooting villages and replacing them with concrete edifices.

“Basic development should ensue from villages. Instead of ensuring multi-pronged development of villages, those with vested interests keen to raise concrete structures. 

The government should be committed in ensuring that the step motherly attitude being donned by government officials towards forest dwellers comes to an end. Such service ventures, which are being done with a sense of commitment, should always serve as a role model. The Kovilmala Palace should serve as safe haven and centre for assurance for the entire community of forest dwellers,” said Kummanam, delivering the keynote address at the function. 

 

Reiterating that the government must adopt steps to prevent encroachment of surplus land at district levels, Kummanam Rajashekharan said that “multi-storyed buildings in Idukki district are built on illegally usurped lands and the unlawful constructions work in Periyar.”

“These contruction works are taking place in spite of stringent directives against it by Kerala government and Kerala High Court. Apart from these, in 1985, a directive was passed against any kind of construction activity by the Electricity Board. By agreeing to set apart 4 cents of land each for 214 adivasi families, the government should swing into action against these elements who have so daringly flouted rules and regulations,” he added.