Evacuation of encroachment in Panniyar riverbed at Poopara in Idukki is underway on Thursday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
After the famous Munnar eviction in 2007, the district administration on Thursday completed another major eviction drive at Pooppara in Idukki.
According to officials, the process was conducted in accordance with the order of the Kerala High Court. The district administration has removed 88 structures, including 29 houses, three religious institutions and 56 commercial establishments built on encroaching land on the Panniyar river bed.
Evacuation of encroachment in Panniyar riverbed at Poopara in Idukki is underway on Thursday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Devikulam Subcollector VM Arya confirmed that the road followed court guidelines. “The eviction process is almost complete and the debris removal will be completed soon,” Ms Arya said.
The Santhanpara panchayat secretary had earlier issued a notice to the families living on the infested plots and directed them to vacate within 24 hours. After the expiry of the notice period, the management of the city district started the eviction at 6 o’clock in the morning on Thursday. The operation was led by District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt, Mrs. Arya, and Deputy Superintendent of Police, supported by 500 police personnel and units of fire and rescue services from Munnar and Rajakkad. Although local families initially protested the raid, the administration proceeded with the demolition.
Evacuation of encroachment in Panniyar riverbed at Poopara in Idukki is underway on Thursday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The legal battle that led to the demolition began in 2022 when some individuals approached the Supreme Court regarding two illegal structures on the banks of the Panniyar River. The owners of the building then pointed out that there are a number of large-scale constructions in the area. In response, the court directed the finance department to submit a detailed report. A court-appointed Amicus Curiae submitted findings on illegal constructions on the river bed.
Based on these reports, the court in December 2023 ordered the finance department to take action within six weeks. After adjournments, the High Court issued the order in January 2024. Subsequently, in February 2024, the district administration took over the commercial buildings and allowed families to temporarily live in their houses. Although some vendors appealed to the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s decision, leading to Thursday’s massive eviction.
The Collector said that 88 buildings constructed illegally on the Panniyar river bed were demolished. “The panchayat has 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 have carried out illegal constructions on public land, but we will ensure support to those entitled,” Mr Cheruvatt said. The Collector further noted that the government will investigate whether there was any wrongdoing on the part of the panchayat officials who allowed the constructions to continue. “Strict action will be taken if deficiencies are found. Moreover, the cost of demolition will be recovered from the building owners,” he said.
The Collector said the reclaimed land would be used to rejuvenate the Panniyar river. “Allowing constructions inside the river bed leads to major disasters, similar to the floods in Koottar near Nedumkandam in 2025. The district administration will continue to crack down on illegal encroachments,” Mr. Cheruvatt said.
Published – 07 May 2026 19:53 IST
