Demolition of ropeway built by Nilambur MLA's kin gets underway

Nilambur: The demolition work on the ropeway illegally constructed in the name of the father-in-law of Nilambur MLA PV Anwar at Cheenkannipara on Kakkadampoyil hills near Nilambur continued for the second day on Saturday.

Steps to dismantle the ropeway were taken by the Urangattiri Panchayat Secretary on the basis of the order issued by Ombudsman for Local Bodies, PS Gopinath, to this effect.

It was after five years of legal battle that the orders were issued for demolition of the illegal construction.

The complaint was filed by a native of Nilambur, MP Vinod, saying that the ropeway was constructed illegally on the land which had been given for constructing a restaurant.

The Malappuram District Collector had earlier ordered the demolition of the check dam in the vicinity.

Later, the land where the ropeway was built was converted into Anwar's father-in-law's name. The complaint filed by Vinod with the Panchayat Secretary, the Panchayat Deputy Director and the Local Body Minister against the illegal construction of a ropeway in the land did not yield results.

The Ombudsman had twice ordered the dismantling of the ropeway. Citing technical reasons, the panchayat did not dismantle it then.

The Ombudsman then had to give a warning that a hefty penalty would be charged from the Panchayat Secretary for any further lapse in the implementation of the order for the demolition of the ropeway.

When the case was taken up on January 25, the Panchayat Secretary informed the court that the tendering work for the demolition work had been completed. He sought one months' time for implementing the order.

The Ombudsman asked the Secretary to submit a report after implementing the order, at the next posting of the case on March 31.

The contract for demolishing the ropeway was given for Rs.1.47 lakh. The iron ropes were first removed. As per the contract, there is 10 days' time to complete the dismantling work.