Madikeri: The solution to the Diddalli tribal issue looks distant but hopes have not diminished after the revenue minister paid a visit to the tribal hamlets in Diddalli on April 15.
After listening to the woes of the affected evacuees, Minister Kagodu Thimmappa said, “If the land belongs to the revenue department, the issue will be settled in 3 days by giving title deeds to the deprived tribals but will be a long drawn process, if the land comes under forest department.” Records have to be verified again to allot the land for the deprived tribals, minister Kagodu added.
The government has planned to provide tribals an acre or two for cultivation in addition to shelter, if they are given alternative accommodation, minister noted.
The tribal settlement issue will be discussed in the forthcoming Cabinet meet on April 19, he said and called upon the tribal leaders to be present at the capital that day to find a solution. He assured of visiting Diddalli and affected areas within a fortnight again.
Taking pity at the tribals’ social status, the minister asked them to empower themselves with education in order to gain the benefits of social welfare schemes offered by the government.
When Tata and Birla groups own thousands of acres in the district, hapless tribals are well within their rights to demand for their rights, minister stated asking the tribals to keep themselves abreast of the developments through awareness drives.
The tribals can possess land using Akrama –Sakrama scheme of the government at their present place of stay by submitting fresh applications to avail the benefits of government land reforms, minister Kagodu explained.
MLA K G Bopaiah, MLC Veena Achaiah, DC ( In-Charge) Charulatha Somal, SP Rajendra Prasad, ZP President B A Harish, tribal leaders Appaji and Muthamma and many other officials from the district administration accompanied the revenue minister during his visit.
Briefing reporters after visiting tribal hamlets, Minister Kagodu, summarising the entire day’s developments said, “A permanent solution will be found for the problem and the issue will be resolved in a phased manner. In case of provision, they will be accommodated in Diddalli itself or else moved to alternate locations.”
