Thu Jan 09 14:41:18 UTC 2025: ## Kerala CM Orders Speed Up on Land Conversion, Other Development Projects
**Thiruvananthapuram, January 9, 2025** – Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed District Collectors to expedite the processing of applications for wetland and paddy land conversion for residential construction. Speaking at the annual conference of District Collectors and department heads on Thursday, Mr. Vijayan emphasized streamlining the process for plots up to five cents in urban areas and 10 cents in rural areas, ensuring necessary checks are completed. He instructed that all technical hurdles related to land conversion, including those predating the 2008 Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, be removed, particularly since there are no revenue fees for conversions up to 25 cents. Improved coordination between Revenue and Agriculture departments was also stressed.
The Chief Minister also announced several other initiatives. These include utilizing the district mining fund and the expertise of the Institute for Climate Change Studies to implement climate change management activities at the district level, including the installation of equipment for predicting climate events. Collectors were directed to identify and report unutilized buildings to the Local Self-Governments Secretary and expedite major construction projects, including road works and railway land acquisition. To address the shortage of land surveyors, the government will explore utilizing the services of retired senior officials. National highway development works are to be fast-tracked.
Further directives included setting time limits for file processing in Collectorates, potentially through the establishment of adalats, increased public participation in initiatives like palliative care and waste management, and clear display of essential commodity price lists in markets. Addressing road safety concerns, Mr. Vijayan called for joint efforts from the Motor Vehicles Department, police, and Collectors to reduce road accidents. Expansion of anti-narcotic activities and public awareness campaigns were also emphasized.
The Chief Minister advocated for the increased adoption of solar power in government offices, aiming for at least one model solar-powered panchayat in each district. He also highlighted plans by CIAL to install rooftop solar power generation facilities in new houses for Chooralmala landslide victims. He encouraged panchayats involved in fish farming to expand their operations, possibly collaborating with international salmon farming agencies. Finally, Mr. Vijayan stressed the need for measures to mitigate man-animal conflicts and protect government offices and staff from attacks, as well as the utilization of accumulated silt, rocks, and sand from rivers and dams.
First Piper 