Karnataka - Mangalore   

Gram panchayats to set aside land for public use

Staff Correspondent

Ten acres of surplus revenue land to be identified

MANGALORE: The process of identifying at least ten acres of surplus revenue land under the 200-odd gram panchayats in the district for various public utility purposes is finally gathering steam.

This was initially proposed by Sadananda Poonja, former president of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, but the issue has been pending for past five years.

However, persistent follow-ups by members of the previous and the newly constituted zilla panchayat have begun to yield results.

The body, which met here during the week, was apprised of the progress achieved in this regard.

Gram panchayats in Belthangady, Puttur, Sullia and Bantwal taluks have reserved land for the purpose. Details from Mangalore taluk are awaited.

A.M. Kunjappa, Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat, said the panchayat could not instruct the respective tahshildars to compulsorily set aside ten acres of land in every gram panchayat for public use. The tahshildars can set aside land if it was available, he added.

Protecting land

Mr. Kunjappa said it was imperative for gram panchayats to protect the land granted to them by the Revenue Department.

In many cases, unscrupulous elements encroach upon land set aside for public utility purposes and then approach the revenue authorities for regularisation under "akrama-sakrama".

Crematoriums

On the related issue of setting aside land for Hindu crematoriums in villages, Mr. Kunjappa said the principle involved was the same as in reserving land for public utility purposes. Gram panchayats should protect land handed over to them, he added.

The objective behind Mr. Poonja's proposal is to ensure that development projects undertaken in villages are not stymied for want of land.

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