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Forest Department may take up drone survey to verify land claims in Anamalai Tiger Reserve
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is considering drone surveys to verify cultivable land claims in settlements within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve under the FRA Act of 2006. Claims are processed starting with Grama Sabhas and may involve higher-level committees; in Tiruppur district, 15 settlements with about 1,150 families are affected, with 850 families already granted conditional pattas. Grama Sabhas will verify three-generation ownership before drone verification proceeds.
Why It Matters
This decision affects land entitlements for forest dwellers under the FRA Act and could influence livelihoods and governance in and around protected areas.
Timeline
4 Events
Current status in Tiruppur district and crops claimed
May 9, 2026
In Tiruppur district, the process covers 15 settlements with about 1,150 families; the Forest Department has granted conditional pattas to 850 families for their houses and the land they are cultivating, with crops including coffee, cardamom, ragi, and pepper.
Higher-level committee involvement in claim review
May 9, 2026
Grievances and remaining issues in land claims are to be addressed through Sub-Divisional and District-Level Committees as needed.
Grama Sabha endorsement and three-generation verification
May 9, 2026
The Grama Sabha will verify if the land, as per entitlement, has been owned by the claimants for three generations; drone surveys may proceed after endorsement by Grama Sabhas.
Drone survey contemplated to verify land claims in Anamalai Tiger Reserve
May 9, 2026
The Forest Department is mulling conducting a drone survey of cultivable land claimed by residents of settlements in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve under the FRA Act, 2006.