5 Feb 2010, 0447 hrs IST

Kerala News: KOCHI, Kerala: Contrary to the claims and instructions by the special ministerial committee, the state government today informed the High Court that it has no intention to demolish the check dams constructed by TATA.

The Advocate General informed the court this decision during the hearing on a plea filed by TATA challenging the government decision to demolish the check dams. The government also informed that the collector has only been instructed to locate illegal constructions and take action.

The counsel for TATA pleaded that the collector has no right to demolish a check dam or to issue notice. He pointed out that according to law the collector should leave the matter to the land board. Binoy Viswam, forest minister had earlier stated that the government would decide on demolishing check dam according to the instructions by the HC. Meanwhile the HC ordered to maintain status-quo till 9th of this month.

Idukki district collector had earlier served notice to TATA asking demolition of check dams build by them at Chittivara and Kundala. A week time was granted to reply to the notice.

The plea submitted by Kannan Devan Corporation challenges this notice served by the government. The plea also questions the notice given by sub-collector seeking removal of power fence constructed at Santom Colony.