KERALA, (India): Torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Kerala on Friday (May 30), triggering landslides, flooding, widespread power outages, and disruption of daily life.
An on-site inventory conducted by its Landscape Department this year revealed that 15 plots were being cultivated without authorisation, often by residents engaging in gardening as a hobby or for small-scale farming.
MPSepang deputy president Muhamad Shah Osmin said the local council had identified 28 sites through public complaints and field surveys since 2023, and had restored 13 land plots to their intended use. This year, he said, the plan was to tackle another 12 locations in areas such as Dengkil, Puchong and Sungai Pelek. “These unauthorised use instances are commonly found on public reserves including open spaces, roadside reserves and back lanes within residential neighbourhoods.“While many do it for leisure, the fact remains that these activities are taking place on government-owned land without permission,” he said. In addition to crops, several sites were found to contain unauthorised structures such as makeshift workshops, garages and illegal parking spaces.“These encroachments pose safety and hygiene risks.“Our responsibility is to ensure public spaces are safe, clean and accessible to everyone.” He said MPSepang would issue a 14-day notice to residents or associations found to be cultivating illegal gardens.“For illegal structures, a 30-day notice is issued, followed by demolition if necessary. “Operations are conducted jointly by MPSepang Health and Environment Department, and the Enforcement Department to ensure legal compliance and public safety,” he said, adding that the local council has been actively sharing updates and educational messages online to raise awareness. He further encouraged residents to participate in authorised community garden initiatives, which allowed for controlled, legal cultivation on designated plots. MPSepang also often upgraded the spaces with amenities like exercise equipment, pedestrian walkways, and landscaping to enhance their appeal and usability for the community, said Muhamad Shah.
Illegal Gardens On-Site Inventory Muhamad Shah Osmin Public Complaints Field Surveys Dengkil Puchong Sungai Pelek Community Garden Initiatives
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