Survey causes tension among villagers

A notification dated 6-5-1930 declared Lingapura, Ravoor, Hiluvalli, Haledanevasa region in Menasur village (1672 acre, 27 guntas in survey number 29) as minor forest area. Unaware of this fact, state governments later handed over huge areas of the said land for agricultural as well as other purposes. Today the area houses a sub jail, ashraya colony, industrial area, telephone exchange building and office complex. There are thousands of families living in this area.

Ironically the forest department which remained tight lipped over 75 years, mutely watching the encroachment of land and revenue department handing over title deeds declaring ownership over this land, has now trying to reclaim the said land.

After 75 years Forest Department is said to have got a copy of the notification of 1930 and following this, they have written letter to centre and state government, Deputy Commissioner, Tahshildar and others informing that the four villages concerned are actually minor forest area and hence should belong to them.

If at all centre of the Apex Court decides to annex the said land to forest land, then thousands of people will be rendered homeless. The decision of the government is not known yet and it government may take some years to take a decision but the people in these four villages will be leading a life full of fear and uncertainty till the decision is taken.

The count down has already begun for these people who are only hoping that they are left with the roof over their head and land under their feet.