Mon Jan 06 18:31:11 UTC 2025: ## Relocation of Thengumarahada Village Residents Delayed Amid Legal Battles

**UDHAGAMANDALAM, Tamil Nadu, January 7, 2025** – Over 495 families in Thengumarahada village, located in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) buffer zone, are caught in a protracted relocation process, more than a year after a Madras High Court order mandated their move. The delay stems from a lack of funding and ongoing legal challenges.

The relocation, agreed upon by a majority of residents in exchange for compensation, was initially slated to be funded through the Compensatory Afforestation Fund and Planning Authority (CAMPA). However, insufficient state funds led the High Court to authorize the use of national CAMPA funds. This decision is now being contested in the Supreme Court by the national CAMPA authority.

Further complicating the situation are descendants of the original Thengumarahada Co-operative Society members, who, despite having moved out of the village, are leasing their land and opposing the relocation. Their legal action is delaying the resettlement process.

Residents express growing frustration and fear. The lack of progress has led to disrepair of their homes, as residents are hesitant to invest in properties they expect to soon vacate. The lack of development and the ongoing proximity to wildlife pose significant risks, as evidenced by the recent death of a villager in an elephant encounter.

On Monday, villagers attended a grievances redress day meeting, pleading with the District Collector to expedite the relocation. They emphasized their willingness to move but expressed their growing desperation due to the prolonged inaction. The situation highlights the complexities of balancing environmental conservation with the needs of local communities.

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