The government will prevent land encroachment and reclaim seized public property in the Wagamon hills, Revenue Minister A.P. Anilkumar said on Monday. Speaking to the media in Idukki following media reports highlighting illegal constructions and encroachments on government land in the area, the Minister assured that the government would review these cases seriously and take strict action.

The Minister was speaking after attending a Revenue department review meeting at the Idukki Collectorate. He stated that the government plans to introduce a second Land Reforms Act to ensure land reform benefits reach everyone in the State. “Compared to other districts, Idukki faces unique land-related issues. We need to amend the district’s land laws, which are over 60 years old. A special panel will be appointed to oversee these amendments,” Mr. Anilkumar said.

He added that more surveyors would be appointed to expedite the land survey process in the district, and the government is considering better facilities for revenue officials dealing with critical land matters in Idukki. During the meeting, District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt presented a detailed report on the department’s progress. Since 2011, the district has issued 54,485 Land Assignment (LA) title deeds, 258 Land Tribunal (LT) title deeds, 4,421 excess land title deeds, and three Devaswom title deeds.

However, 55,214 LA applications, 237 LT applications, and three Devaswom applications remain pending. The collector noted that out of 437 documented illegal encroachment cases in the district, 112 have been evicted so far. Revenue Secretary K. Jeevan Babu, Survey Director Arun O.J., Idukki ADM Mini K. John, and Devikulam Sub-Collector V.M. Arya were among the key officials present at the review meeting.

Published - July 27, 2026 08:12 pm IST