MANGALORE: Revenue and Forest Departments have undertaken a joint survey of C and D lands in 15 villages in Dakshina Kannada district, and the Revenue Department will reclaim these lands once the survey is completed, Deputy Commissioner H.V. Parshwanath has said.

These categories of lands were handed over to the Forest Department for growing plants but they have not been utilised.

Mr. Parshwanath, who held a meeting with representatives of Dalit organisations and the District SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act Monitoring Committee here, said the Supreme Court is particular about the effective implementation of the Forest Conservation Act.

"The department has surveyed its land and submitted the data to the Apex Court," he said.

"We are not empowered to take up development work in notified and reserve forestland without permission from the authorities concerned.

Certain C and D land given to the department earlier has not been utilised by them," he said.

This reclaimed land can be used to expedite resettlement processes of tribal people in parts of Belthangady, Sullia and Puttur taluks, he said.

The Revenue Department will not be able to help those who have encroached on tank beds and abutting area.

The Government has directed the department to clear any sort of encroachment in these areas, he said.

Representatives of Dalit organisations sought protection for tribal people stating that the Forest Department officials have threatened to evict them from forestland.

Inquiry

Dr. Parshwanath said he will instruct the Forest Department officials concerned not to do so.

Responding to complaints of certain irregularities in the purchase of nearly 20 acres of land for the resettlement of Koragas in Puthige village near Moodbidri, Dr. Parshwanath said he will order an inquiry into it and take action accordingly.

Action sought

Lolaksha, president of SC/ST Federation, alleged that many aided schools and colleges in the district are not following reservation norms.

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