It has been alleged that many local residents had built residential houses along the corridor and later leased a portion or the entire property commercially to tourists
It has been alleged that many local residents had built residential houses along the corridor and later leased a portion or the entire property commercially to tourists
The Sigur Plateau Elephant Corridor Inquiry Committee, formed by the Supreme Court, on Thursday began inspections at the properties of individuals who had filed objections with the committee against action initiated by the district administration to secure the elephant corridor.
Most of the people who raised objections were resort owners. The list also included farmers and land-holders, officials said. A total of 225 people had filed objections before the technical committee, which was formed to listen to the grievances of people residing in the elephant corridor. On Thursday, the committee inspected a private residence in Chokkanalli and visited homes of people in Vazhaithottam and Mavanallah.
The committee members, including its chairman Justice K. Venkatraman, inspected encroachments on government and forest land, unapproved buildings on private pattas and buildings that came up along the elephant corridor. The members of the committee heard explanations from the owners of the properties and also the purpose for which the buildings had been constructed. It has been alleged by activists that many local residents had built residential houses along the corridor and later leased a portion or the entire property commercially to tourists.
Officials said encroachments along streams would be inspected by the committee.
The inspections will likely continue until Saturday.