Vanimel panchayat seeks review of ban on construction activities

The Vanimel grama panchayat authorities have urged the district administration to review the recent ban imposed on various construction activities in three wards under the panchayat limits. The restrictions followed an official meeting chaired by District Collector Snehil Kumar Singh to assess the impact of the Vilangad landslides, based on a recent field study.

Grama panchayat president P. Surayya said the ban would hinder the completion of several housing schemes and road development works in areas that were minimally affected by the 2024 landslides. “Of the three wards identified for construction restrictions, Ward number 11 was the least impacted by the calamity. If the order is not withdrawn, it will adversely affect the owners of many partially completed residential and commercial buildings,” she said.

Ms. Surayya also pointed out that the ban was imposed by the district administration without waiting for the completion of the ongoing field study by an expert panel. “Our request is to defer such hasty regulations until the final report is submitted. Moreover, the latest order was passed without seeking the opinion of the elected representatives,” she added.

A local body member from Vanimel claimed that the unexpected move could disrupt several works previously listed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. “We are equally concerned about the timely completion of various rural road projects,” he said.

Meanwhile, sources in the Revenue department said that the ban was based on scientific findings and cannot be revoked merely on the basis of local concerns. They added that the complaint submitted by the panchayat authorities to the Disaster Management wing would be brought to the attention of the higher officials for appropriate action.