Don't restrain development works in hamlets: MLA

MLA K G Bopaiah on Tuesday instructed the Forest department personnel not to restrain development works at the tribal hamlets coming under Ane Chowkur forest limits.

The MLA, who visited Chenihadlu hamlet, said that various developmental works have been planned at Ayirasuli, Jungle and Karekandi hamlets, with the gram panchayat planning to take up works on creating basic infrastructural facilities under the grants earmarked for the year 2014-15.

Bopaiah made a mention of the objections raised by the Forest personnel to build houses under Basava Housing Scheme and Indira Awas Scheme. Though the houses are sanctioned and the government has distributed title deeds complying with the conditions, the Forest personnel have come in the way of the implementation. There should be no such hurdle in building dwelling units at those hamlets where tribals are living.

He also made a mention of a rule under setion 1(D) of forest Act 2006 where the forest dwellers are entitled for building a house even at national parks.

The forest dwellers have been living since ages and the government is duty-bound to create basic infrastructural facilities. If the dwellers are in the possession of documents from three generations they are entitled for the benefits. The Forest personnel should not trouble such habitants.