A report submitted by the Chinnakkanal panchayat to a panel of wildlife experts constituted by the Kerala High Court has stated that the panchayat issued licences to only 36 establishments. As per the report, the panchayat issued licences to 14 resorts, 11 homestays and 11 lodges. “The panchayat had issued licences for the establishments which include a property owned by Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan,” said a source.
Meanwhile, sources said that nearly 100 homestays and lodges are engaged in tourism activities in the region, located close to the Munnar hill station.
A Revenue department source said titles deeds under the Kerala Government Land Assignment Rules, 1964 were issued only for farming and house construction, and title deeds under the Kerala Land Assignment (regularisation of occupation of forest lands prior to January 1, 1977) special rules, 1993 for farming, house construction and small shopping centres.
