Kochi: Temporary stay on eviction following Lakshadweep District Collector’s order to seize the entire land in Lakshadweep. The High Court stayed the eviction till the 19th of this month. The action was taken on a petition filed by JDU President Dr. Mohammad Sadiq. The petition will be considered again on the 19th of this month. The Lakshadweep administration has directed the Deputy Collectors to immediately take back land given on lease for agricultural purposes. The island administration is planning to reclaim 575.75 hectares of land in various islands. The explanation is to find land for development activities.
Officials have come to various islands like Kavarathi, Antroth and Kalpeni with survey measures to reclaim land. People blocked the officials in different areas. But even though the officers proceeded with the survey procedures under police protection, the protest was strong.
It is repeatedly stated in many parts of the order that there are two types of land in Lakshadweep namely Janam Bhoomi and Pandaram Bhoomi, of which Pandaram Bhoomi is owned by the government. The District Collector’s order points out that Pandaram land was given on lease to the people for agriculture and other purposes and no ownership rights were given.
The order also states that the government can reclaim the land whenever it wants. The Lakshadweep administration claims that the Lakshadweep administration is starting many development projects such as roads, hospitals, schools, port renovation, tourism, and for this, the said lands are being reclaimed. But the islanders are worried that the owners of the reclaimed land are unlikely to receive compensation.
