The Hindu : Front Page : Decision on land notification soon

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Thursday, Jul 08, 2010
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Decision on land notification soon

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom told the Assembly on Wednesday that the Cabinet would decide on the notification of about 17,000 acres at Kanan Devan Hills village in Idukki district next week.

The Minister was replying to a debate on the demands for grants for Forest and Housing.

The Minister said the land was in the possession of the Forest Department as per a government order in 1980 and that a high-level committee deputed by the government had reported that there were no settlers on the land. The final decision on the matter would be taken after considering people's views. Some part of the land would be set apart for agriculture, housing, dairy and assignment to the poor.

The Minister said the exact areas being earmarked for notification as forests and public purposes would be announced after the Cabinet decision.

He parried questions from the Opposition as to what was the stand of the Forest Department on the Athirappilly hydroelectric project. He was having discussions with the Power Minister on the issue and the government would have an agreed stand.

He said the final settlement on the Kurinjimala sanctuary would exclude land belonging to those from the Anjanad area who were cultivating land away from their homes.

After the Minister's reply, the House passed the demands for grants — Rs.184.91 crore for Forest and Rs.118.11 crore for Housing.

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