'Munnar model' eviction would be replicated, if needed: CM

Kochi, May 20 (UNI) Clamping down on encroachers with an iron hand, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today warned that, if needed, the 'Munnar model' eviction would be replicated in other parts of the State.

Speaking at a civic reception here, he said the encroachers in Munnar had built hotels and resorts on Government land and were making money without paying anything to the Government.

''After recovering the land from encroachers, the Government would build a 'Modern Munnar' by giving due importance to nature and ecology,'' he said.

Mr Achuthanandan said the Government, which recently completed one year in office, was not averse to replicating the 'Munnar model' of eviction in places like Wagamon and Kovalam, where there were reports of encroachment. The Government would also take steps to curb sandmining in Vembanad and Periyar rivers, he added.

He said the Kollam-Kottapuram-Manjeswaram-Kollam waterway would be opened for traffic before this year's Onam festival.

Referring to the Smart City project, the Chief Minister said the project was beneficial to the State as it would generate employment for the professionally-qualified people.

Mr Achuthanandan said around 30,000 engineers were passing out from various institutes and these kind of projects would provide employment for them.

''The Government will start new industries and take steps to rejuvenate and revive the ailing public sector undertakings in the State to solve the problem of unemployment,'' he noted.

He said the Government would also chalk out viable policies to make the State self-sufficient in food in the near future.

UNI