Over 5k applications for settlement of claims over podu land, pattas

These applications were submitted by farmers from 75 habitations in forest fringe areas

Around 5,940 applications were received from farmers of both tribal and non-tribal communities for settlement of long pending claims over podu (forest) land and sanction of pattas (title deeds) under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006, for a little over 14,000 acres of podu land in the district.

These applications were submitted by farmers from as many as 75 habitations in the forest fringe areas of 63 Gram Panchayats in eight mandals of the district during the village level meetings held earlier this month, sources said.

Prior to receiving the applications, the district administration conducted meetings involving the elected representatives of the rural local bodies and other stakeholders on the provisions of the RoFR Act and the collective endeavour to protect forests.