Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Aug 20: A Kiran Kumar Kodgi, MLA of Kundapur Assembly Constituency, has directed officials to urgently address the land issues faced by the Koraga community by coordinating efforts between the Forest and Revenue Departments. He emphasized the need to review the new deemed forest list and to immediately issue title deeds wherever possible.

Speaking at a meeting with officials at the taluk panchayat hall, Kodgi highlighted the importance of taking swift action to issue title deeds to those who are already residing on the land. He pointed out that if certain areas are completely deemed forests, alternative solutions should be explored. The joint survey by the forest and revenue departments is essential to find a viable solution, and both departments play a crucial role in resolving the Koraga community's land issues. He stressed that the community should not be given false assurances repeatedly and that they must receive title deeds that would benefit them.

Kundapur tahsildar Shobhalakshmi stated that there are land issues in Hardalli Mandalli's Manigeri, Jannadi, Kolanakal, 76 Haladi, Kasadi, and Yedadi Mathyadi. Efforts are being made to resolve these issues.

The assistant conservator of forests mentioned that the Koraga community traditionally lives near forests and may reside on forest fringes without legal awareness. The government has instructed that these people should not be evicted. He added that the Forest Act provides several concessions, and the deemed forest list will be re-examined.

Municipal Council member Prabhakar and beneficiaries drew attention to the lack of title deeds for the Koraga community in Ambedkar Nagar, Kundapur. Beneficiaries pointed out inconsistencies, stating that while their area was initially not considered a deemed forest, it is now being classified as such, even though others with the same survey number have received title deeds. A Koraga woman questioned whether the deemed forest classification applies only to their community and why their land is being labeled as deemed while others are exempt.

ITDP officials provided information about the facilities available from the department. Kumar Das explained the land issues faced by the Koraga community.

The meeting was attended by DFO Ganapati, ACF Prakash Poojary, taluk panchayat executive officer Shashidhar KG, and other officials.