Jun 01, 2007 10:33 PM
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(Updated Jun 01, 2007 10:35 PM)
Munnar is the topmost tourist place in the ‘God’s own country’. The beauty and charm it offers hold its place in any nature lover’s heart. It is a shame on me to say that I have not visited this place. However, it is a place I want to visit in priority. I have been to many of its surrounding areas, but so far could not reach there to enjoy the beauty. Given the number of reviews on the tourist spot, I am sure most of you are aware of the importance and what it can offer already. This review is however is my attempt to highlight a social revolution which is going on in the present day time, which is originated from Munnar and spreading to all over Kerala. So, I am surrendering my chance to review this beautiful place in future date to invite your attention to an on time social change.
The Hills of Munnar was open for large scale invasion by many for years. This includes major political parties, celebrities, big companies and lot more, up to ordinary public. Thousands and thousands of acres of land are occupied by many. Most of them manage to get duplicate ownership papers by bribing and influencing government officials. They started to build their empires there. Considering the place is one of the top tourist attractions, many hotels and resorts were established in these illegally occupied lands. Many used it for plantation. This continued for years. “How far a thief can hide in darkness?” “Till the morning comes” is the answer.
When the entire political and administrative system was in corruption they believe they can continue this day light robbery forever. Not before the politicians and parties got an eye opener. Not before a political leader took courage to co-ordinate with the administrative set up and with the help of Judiciary to take unbelievable steps to claim back the land after destroying all properties. Crores and crores of assets are confiscated by Government authorities. All those resorts were razed to the ground. Those plants were uprooted and thrown out. The people who suffered out of this tried to get the protection of our time delayed judiciary. However for a change the Judiciary stands up to expectation and didn’t give any stay orders for Government action. Many people were attracted by this not seen earlier action and each districts are now locating the illegal occupations and demolishing all those one by one, bit by bit. The empires of streets are now razed to the ground. The funny thing is that, in the first few instances the occupiers tried to put some hindrances, but once it is established that there is no use the operation is so easy. Government issues a notice saying that this property is illegally occupied with proof and gives a short time to evacuate. If they didn’t do, government sends bull dozers and JCBs to destroy the property. So simple it is. The wise occupiers however removed or destroyed their properties after taking their movable valuables out. From North to south, East to West…this is happening everywhere in Kerala.
The great poet and natural lover Sugathakumari exclaimed, ”is it a dream or an actual happening”. When there is political will and administrative support nothing is impossible. We should appreciate the noble efforts. However, there are some reasonable questions arising out of it as well.
Why the government wanted to destroy all the Hotels and Resorts in the first place? It should have been acquired by the government and should have operated or put in for auction, which would have helped the government to earn much money and the developments which would have contributed to the tourism industry might have remained. Now a huge amount invested in development is destroyed to dust. Acres of tea plants are uprooted to waste. This is a sheer lack of vision. There were many options. The government would have given a nominal amount to get a no objection from the people who possess it now. The government could have asked the people to give say 300% of the market value for the land to the government and issue a legal document to keep those structures intact. If they refuse, government should have proceeded with demolitions. Many options could have been proposed.
What the government did to make sure that similar incidence will not happen in future? The present situation came not in a fine morning. It was there for many years and the political parties and authorities without any exception permitted it with shutting one eye on it. What is the merit if it is going to happen again and again? What the government is going to do with the administrative people who helped the illegal occupation? They still remain in their respective position will only make the action a temporary one.
So, on the one hand the government has issued a strong warning to all those who are engaged in illegal dealings. The pain of complete loss and humiliation will surely keep many to refrain from such activities. At the same time the government had not had any long vision while initiating such a mass destruction. The government did another good job in curbing piracy by raiding the top recording studios too and the outcome was far more than expected.
Kerala has been leading the nation in areas of Education, Medical field & Tourism. This is a new beginning which the nation may follow with little more planning. We have seen it in Delhi, We have seen it in some parts of Mumbai, but not in such a large scale, in a state. It is happening, happening big time.
So, next time you visit Munnar, you can visit all those beautiful places which can mesmerized you while the history will rest in its books. We may have to pay a price in the form of lack of facilities. Many of the hotels you visited earlier may not be there, but that may be the cost of social change.
