Cabinet approves land title deeds in forest areas irrespective of building size

The State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday (October 15, 2025) decided to grant title deeds for forest land regardless of the size or extent of buildings constructed on the land.

Under the Kerala Land Assignment Rules of 1993, those who have been in possession of forest land prior to 1977 are eligible to receive land titles with the approval of the Union government. Many such inhabitants have undertaken construction on these lands over the years, an official release stated.

Besides, the Rules already permit land assignment for shops on forest land. In light of such circumstances, the Cabinet has decided to expand the scope further to grant relief to numerous settlers by removing the requirement to consider the extent of construction while granting ownership. The move is expected to regularise numerous long-standing settlements on forest land.