Mangaluru: More than three decades after 31 Koraga families were sanctioned residential sites at Madyapadavu in Surathkal, a long-standing discrepancy in land records has left the particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) struggling to secure their housing rights. The Karnataka Adivasigala Hakkugala Samanvaya Samiti has warned of launching protests if the issue is not resolved within the next two months, alleging prolonged administrative apathy and injustice towards the Koraga community.
According to the samiti, the families were sanctioned sites measuring five cents each in 1986. However, the Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops (RTC) documents issued to them mention only 1.3 cents of land. This mismatch, leaders say, has effectively deprived the families of their right to fully utilise the land allotted to them, severely affecting their ability to repair existing houses or construct new ones.
Long-standing discrepancy in land records
Members of the Koraga community at Madyapadavu stated that despite possessing site allotment orders for five cents, the reduced extent reflected in official records has become a major hurdle. Many families had already constructed houses by availing benefits under various government housing schemes, believing their land ownership was secure.
However, in 2003, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) reportedly reissued sites to the same families. While the reissuance was expected to resolve earlier ambiguities, the title deeds once again reflected an extent of only 1.3 cents per family. Since then, the discrepancy has persisted, leaving families in a state of uncertainty for over two decades.
Because of this issue, residents say they are unable to obtain permissions or financial assistance for house repairs, reconstruction, or expansion, even as many of the structures have aged and deteriorated.
Memorandums and appeals yield no result
Padmanabh, president of the Karnataka Adivasigala Hakkugala Samanvaya Samiti, and Jyothi Madya, its secretary, said repeated representations to authorities have failed to bring relief. A detailed memorandum highlighting the issue was submitted to the MCC and the revenue department on April 15, 2025.
“As there was no response from either the MCC or the revenue department, we were forced to approach the district administration,” they said. An appeal was subsequently made to the district authorities on May 8, 2025.
The samiti leaders said Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV had instructed concerned officials to take necessary action after reviewing the matter. “Despite clear instructions from the deputy commissioner, no concrete steps have been taken so far,” they alleged.
Families unable to rebuild homes
Kariya K, president of the samiti’s Vamanjoor zone, said the discrepancy in title deeds has had serious consequences for the families living in the colony. “Because of the reduced land extent shown in records, families are not able to rebuild or even properly repair their houses. This is a basic housing rights issue,” he said.
Community members pointed out that several houses in the colony are in poor condition, and the lack of clear land titles prevents them from accessing bank loans, government grants, or fresh housing schemes.
Allegations of prolonged harassment
Shrinath Kulal Katipalla, honorary adviser of the samiti, accused officials of systematically depriving Koraga community members of their rightful benefits. “The Koraga families have been harassed for nearly two decades due to administrative negligence and delays. This is a clear injustice to a particularly vulnerable tribal group,” he said.
He added that the samiti had organised a protest in Surathkal a few days ago to draw attention to the issue. Following the protest, officials from the revenue department visited the Madyapadavu colony and interacted with residents.
“During the visit, officials received our memorandum and assured us that the issue would be resolved. However, assurances alone are not enough. We need concrete action,” Kulal said.
Warning of intensified protest
With no resolution in sight, the samiti has now issued a clear warning. “If the issue is not resolved within two months, we will hold a protest in front of the MCC office,” Kariya K said, adding that the community would intensify its agitation if necessary.
The samiti has demanded that the original sanction of five cents per family be reflected accurately in RTCs and title deeds, enabling Koraga families to exercise full ownership rights and access welfare benefits without obstruction.
Conclusion
The case of the Koraga families at Madyapadavu underscores the impact of bureaucratic delays and documentation errors on marginalised communities. As a PVTG, the Koraga community depends heavily on state support for housing and livelihood security. With protests looming, the onus is now on the MCC, revenue department, and district administration to resolve the long-pending land title issue and ensure justice for the affected families.