LSGD joint director restricts construction permits in 13 panchayats in Idukki

A letter issued by the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) Joint Director in Idukki has restricted construction permits across 13 panchayats in the district.

The letter, sent on February 6, 2026, states that panchayats must only issue construction permits upon the presentation of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Revenue Department.

According to a copy of the letter accessed by The Hindu, the 13 affected panchayats are Chinnakkanal, Munnar, Pallivasal, Vellathooval, Devikulam, Bison Valley, Santhanpara, Udumbanchola, Mankulam, Marayur, Kanthallur, Edamalakkudy, and Vattavada.

“Based on the High Court order of January 21, 2010, a Revenue Department NOC is mandatory for construction activities in eight villages across Devikulam and Udumbanchola (including Chinnakkanal village). Any permissions without NOC already issued by panchayats for construction must be verified and halted immediately. Officials must ensure no further construction is permitted in these villages without a prior NOC,” the letter stated.

The LSGD Director further directed panchayat secretaries to verify ongoing construction and report their actions to the Joint Director without delay. “ The details can be provided to the government and the High Court,” said the letter.

The letter emphasised that permission is required for all construction activities. This includes temporary sheds, permanent residential buildings, commercial establishments, and even LIFE Mission Project buildings (including those on panchayat-owned land).

In July 2023, the Idukki Collector imposed curbs on these 13 panchayats following an interim order by the Kerala High Court in a case filed by an NGO. In July 2024, former Idukki District Collector Sheeba George—just before her appointment as Additional Secretary of the Revenue Department—confirmed the restrictions under the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Act. This decision followed a scientific study identifying these areas as “red zones.”

According to sources, the LSGD Deputy Director’s new letter means panchayats are now effectively barred from issuing any construction permits without Revenue Department clearance. “Based on this order, even LIFE Mission homes and temporary sheds require an NOC,” said a source.