Legal action to be taken against illegal encroachment in Kovalam

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 28 (UNI) Kerala Fisheries Minister S Sarma today said that legal action would be taken against those who illegally encroached the sea wall at Samudra Hotel in Kovalam.

After visiting the encroached areas between Kovalam Samudra Hotel and Panathura, he said the Additional District Magistrate had been asked to issue show-cause notice to the owners of private institutions, who encroached the sea wall within one week.

Pointing out that constructions within 200 metres of the sea coast were outright violation of Coastal Regulation Act (CRA), the Minister said such actions would not be allowed in future.

According to the CRA, only fishermen community could be allowed to construct houses within the 200 meters of sea coast, he added.

Stating that the private institutions encroached sea wall ignoring the civic bodies directions, Mr Sarma said the government would find a permanent solution to such actions after discussions with the Irrigation and Revenue Departments.

UNI CGV2010