Illegal buildings surrounding Neyyar dam raise concerns

16 Aug 2023 CW Team

The serene landscape surrounding Neyyar Dam, cherished for its natural beauty, is under siege as illegal constructions run rampant within protected forest land. The irrigation department has raised the alarm, revealing the unauthorised presence of seven resorts and numerous other buildings in the ecologically sensitive zone.

The construction frenzy has prompted the issuance of notices by the department to panchayat authorities, demanding corrective measures be taken. Violations of regulations have led to the proliferation of structures dedicated to hospitality and various other purposes. Notably, the protected area within a 100-meter radius of the dam is strictly off-limits to construction, yet these edifices stand in stark defiance. The negligence of local authorities, particularly in the Amboori panchayat, has drawn criticism. Despite repeated alerts, the panchayat has turned a blind eye to the ongoing encroachment, even granting "unauthorised occupancy" certificates for utilities like electricity and water.

Amid these transgressions, opposition members at the Congress-ruled Amboori panchayat have voiced vehement objections. The issue has garnered attention, leading to actions aimed at curbing further unlawful expansion. This burgeoning crisis threatens not only the natural habitat but also the dam's security. Immediate intervention is crucial to safeguard the area's ecological integrity and prevent irreparable damage.

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

Jyoti Structures FY26 profit rises 56.5%

Jyoti Structures (JSL) recently reported strong financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, driven by disciplined execution, cost management and steady progress across its order book.For Q4 FY2025-26, total income rose 44.2 per cent to Rs 2.41 billion from Rs 1.67 billion in Q4 FY2024-25. EBITDA increased 58.6 per cent to Rs 237 million, while EBITDA margin improved by 89 basis points to 9.84 per cent. Profit before tax grew 53.3 per cent to Rs 188.5 million, and net profit rose 51.9 per cent to Rs 181.4 million.For FY2025-26, total income grew 53.1 per cent to Rs 7.72 bill..

Cat BEPU to Power Doppstadt Separator at IFAT 2026

Caterpillar’s Cat Battery Electric Power Unit (BEPU) has been selected by Doppstadt to power its SWS 6 Spiral Shaft Separator, which will be showcased for the first time at IFAT 2026 in Munich, Germany, from 4–7 May.The compact plug-and-play BEPU is designed to replace a diesel engine within the same space, using the same mounting locations and relative machine position. It integrates the battery, motor, inverter, onboard charging, cooling and controls, enabling OEMs to electrify existing chassis platforms without extensive redesign.Caterpillar and Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems have be..

VECV sales rise 6.9% in April 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, recorded sales of 7,318 units in April 2026, compared to 6,846 units in April 2025, registering 6.9 per cent growth. The total included 7,159 units under the Eicher brand and 159 units under the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,159 units during the month, up 6.6 per cent from 6,717 units in April 2025. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 8.6 per cent to 6,797 units from 6,257 units a year earlier.Exports declined 21.3 per cent, with VECV recording 362 units in ..