Farmer’s plaint leads to joint survey by forest, revenue dept

WARANGAL: A joint survey by the forest and revenue departments has confirmed that 23 farmers in Mupparam and Devanoor villages are legitimate patta holders, with land inherited or purchased, and have been beneficiaries of the Rythu Bandhu scheme, according to revenue division officer B. Ramesh Rathode.

The issue emerged when farmers trying to cultivate their patta lands were stopped by the forest department, which claimed the plots fell under forest reserve jurisdiction. In response, the affected farmers filed a formal complaint with Station Ghanpur MLA, who raised the matter with the district collector. Acting on the complaint, authorities conducted a joint survey to verify land records and ownership.

Historical records from 50 years ago indicated that the forest department had designated 3,750 acres in Mupparam and Devanoor as reserve forest. However, discrepancies were discovered in the survey. Specific lands — survey numbers 213, 214, 215, and 216 in Mupparam, and numbers 403 and 404 in Devanoor — were erroneously listed under the forest department despite being recognised as patta lands belonging to local farmers.

Following the survey, the district collector directed that 43.38 acres of the disputed land be immediately transferred back to the farmers, while the remaining area will continue to be managed as part of the reserve forest.

In a related development, the Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (KUDA) has proposed establishing an eco-park in the area to promote eco-tourism and sustainable forestry. The initiative is expected to generate local employment and stimulate the regional economy.

The revenue division officer expressed satisfaction with the resolution, emphasising that the outcome ensures justice for the farmers while maintaining necessary forest conservation measures.