Revenue department calls for applications for final settlement of Neelakurinji Sanctuary

On Thursday, the department called for applications from residents in Blocks 58 and 62 of Vattavada. Those excluded can submit their claims at the Devikulam revenue divisional office or the Kottakamboor and Vattavada village offices till March 9. Applicants must prove that they held the land on or before October 6, 2006.

Recently, the Revenue department had issued notices to residents in Blocks 58 and 62 of Vattavada and Kottakamboor villages, directing them to produce ownership documents before the Devikulam Subcollector. According to officials, Subcollector V.M. Arya issued notices to 452 individuals for final verification. However, a group of residents maintained they were left out of this initial list.

Ms. Arya stated that a high level meeting held on February 11, attended by Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran and Revenue Minister K. Rajan, led to the decision to accept applications from excluded persons.

“Through this opportunity, residents can submit their claims for the final settlement. Once we receive the final number of applications, we will have a clear picture of the total number of residents in the settlement process,” said Ms. Arya.

Former Vattavada panchayat president K. Ramaraj welcomed the decision but urged for more formal documentation. “Our data shows that 167 farmers were excluded. We demand that the government issue a formal Government Order (GO) regarding this process,” Mr. Ramaraj said.

Ms. Arya added that the validity of the applications will only be determined after final verification. She also noted that the Forest department is entitled to submit its own claims during the settlement process.

The Revenue department has finally initiated the settlement process for the Neelakurinji Sanctuary 20 years after its initial announcement. On October 6, 2006, then-Forest Minister Binoy Viswam announced the creation of the 32-square-km sanctuary in the Kottakamboor-Vattavada area of Devikulam taluk.