(a) whether the Government is aware that over 500 hectares of tribal land spread across 28 tribal settlements in the Thiruvananthapuram forest territorial division has been alienated as reported in `The Hindu` dated July 19, 2004;
(b) if so, the facts thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the measures being taken by the Government to stop such rampant alienation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a)&(b) Reported alienation of 500 hectares of tribal land in Thiruvananthapuram territorial forest division appearing in `The Hindu` on 19th July 2004 does not seem to be based on facts. However, 20 cases of such alienation involving 7.38 acres of land have come to the notice of the State Forest Department in respect of Pannikkala and Kochukilikkoodu settlements in this division. These alienations are illegal as the tribals do not have alienable right over the land. As reported by the State Forest Department, money appears to be the prime motive behind such illegal alienations.
(c) The District Collector is empowered to restore possession of such alienated lands under the Kerala Scheduled Tribes (Restriction of transfer of lands and Restoration of alienated lands) Act, 1975.