Revenue dept to regularise encroached forest land

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the context of the relaxation of the rules for encroachment of forest land by the Centre, the revenue department has directed the district collectors to conduct the registration process on such encroached forest properties in Kerala. On the deed, the land is still termed as ‘Forest’ but thousands of acres of land that have over the years turned into residential areas can now be given to the owners.

Such lands are mostly found in Idukki and the occupants are also higher in this district. Pathanamthitta, Wayanad, Palakkad, Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram districts will also get the benefit.

With the Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023 turning a reality in August, the existing technical hurdle related to the transfer of such property has now reached an end, thus making things easier for the revenue department. Section 2 of the Forest Protection Act 1980 lists restrictions where state authorities cannot make laws regarding forests without the permission of the Central Government. In order to get central approval for one acre, two acres should have been given to the forest department for afforestation. Central approval was not easy as there was no land to give in return. However, now with the amendment, no central government permission is needed.

According to a 1996 Supreme Court judgment, land acquisition was impossible unless the area once recorded as forest in the revenue records was declared as non-forest land through an exemption notification by the Forest Department. In order to get this notification, a central government permission was needed. However now, this provision has been lifted.

• In panchayat limits, four acres will be given for agriculture and 15 cents for houses and buildings. If there is more land available, it will be converted into government land.

• Under corporation limits, 5 cents will be allotted for House construction while 10 cents will be allotted if the land falls under Municipality.

• Land (maximum 0.10 hectares) on the sides of roads and railway tracks adjoining forest will be cleared and will be made more efficient to speed up road development.

• Laying pipelines, constructing fences or walls, digging trenches etc. within the forest is not prohibited.

• Constructions for eco-tourism can be done.

• There is no obstacle to constructing bridges, culverts or check-dams.