Sat Jan 18 18:49:16 UTC 2025: ## Human Rights Forum Challenges Anakapalle Collector’s Stance on Tribal Land Rights
**Visakhapatnam, January 19, 2025** – The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has criticized the Anakapalle District Collector’s report to the Lokayukta regarding land rights of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Kothaveedi village. The Collector, relying on a report from the Narsipatnam Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), stated that tribal possession of land in Survey No. 289 cannot be recognized without legally valid documentation from landowners.
The HRF argues this stance is unacceptable, claiming the Kondh and Konda Dora Adivasi families have been cultivating the land for an extended period. They accuse the Revenue Department of failing to protect Adivasis from land grabbing by a real estate mafia.
The HRF demands an immediate enjoyment survey to identify the actual cultivators and urges the Lokayukta, CCLA, and Director of Tribal Welfare to review the findings. They further recommend appointing the ITDA Project Officer as the inquiry officer, citing the State government’s confirmation that the Paderu ITDA retains jurisdiction over Adivasis in the former Visakhapatnam district, despite Kothaveedi’s inclusion in the newly formed Anakapalli district. The HRF believes this appointment would ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
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