Exhibit P2, the 4th respondent issued a letter dated 24.12.2019 for a sketch indicating the encroachments. To the above letter, the Tahsildar (LR), Thirurangadi have forwarded the sketch sought for by the 4th respondent. On receipt of the sketch, a letter was issued to the Village Officer, Vallikkunnu by the 4th respondent to identify the area where encroachment have been made by the 6th and 7th respondent. Pursuant to the Covid-19 pandemic no further steps could be initiated. Thereafter, another letter was issued to the Village Officer, Vallikkunnu seeking assistance for the identification of the encroached area. The Village Officer in turn informed the 4th respondent that for identification and marking of the area, the Taluk Surveyor who have prepared the sketch should be contacted. While so, it came to the notice that as per Section 218 of the Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, the beds and banks of river streams, irrigation and drainage channels etc. are vested with the Village Panchayats. Therefore, the authority for removal of encroachments is the Secretary of the Vallikkunnu Grama Panchayat. This aspect of the matter was intimated to the Tahsildar (LR) as per letter dated 05.03.2021. It is understood that steps are being pursued for eviction of encroachments.”
