2,077 title deeds distributed in Idukki

The State government has granted special consideration to Idukki district in the issuance of title deeds, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine has said.

While inaugurating a district-level title deed fest at Cheruthoni Panchayat Hall on Thursday, Mr. Augustine said that given Idukki’s complex land issues, legal acquisition procedures are being fast-tracked. “The surplus land issue in Mankulam has been resolved, and the first phase of title distribution for that area begins at this festival,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted that 238 families in Muthamma tribal settlement of Chinnakkanal village are receiving their title deeds during this event. Furthermore, progress is under way to issue deeds for families in Gandhi Nagar settlement in Cheruthoni.

According to officials, a total of 2,077 title deeds were distributed on Thursday. These included titles issued under the 1993 Rules, 1964 Rules, 1993 CHR (Cardamom Hill Reserve), and the Forest Rights Act.

While the distribution of an additional 3,000 title deeds was previously stalled by a Kerala High Court order, officials confirmed that a new court ruling will allow these to be distributed shortly. Since 2016, the government has distributed a total of 43,613 title deeds in Idukki through 13 separate title deed festivals.

The event was attended by Udumbanchola MLA M.M. Mani, Devikulam MLA A. Raja, District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt, Subcollector Anoop Garg, Deputy Collector Athul Swaminath, and ADM Shyju P. Jacob, among others.