Thu Mar 13 13:29:55 UTC 2025: ## Thrissur District Resolves Longstanding Tribal Land Issues
**Thrissur, Kerala, March 13, 2025** – A significant step towards resolving long-standing land disputes affecting tribal communities in Thrissur district has been announced. District Collector Arjun Pandian confirmed that title documents are being prepared for 44 tribal families in Olakara, granting each 1.5 acres of land. This follows years of stalled efforts to address land issues stemming from the 1950s construction of the Peechi dam, which displaced the Malayan tribe.
While families relocated to Tamaravellachal and Maniyankinar received land titles under the Forest Rights Act, those in Olakara were excluded. Despite attempts beginning in 2008, the issue remained unresolved until a recent series of meetings and interventions at the state level, including a new survey ordered by the High Court. A November 2024 meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary finally confirmed the Olakara residents’ eligibility for forest rights.
In a related development, 28 families from Anakkayam, displaced by a 2018 landslide, were also granted land titles in November 2024 and are now receiving new homes. The district administration is also working to relocate 41 more families from Veerankudi and Arekappu settlements to improved locations.
Collector Pandian stated that the district is addressing the needs of a total of 106 landless tribal families. Further initiatives include electrifying 58 tribal households and providing sanitation facilities through the Swachh Bharat Mission. “Akshaya Big Camps” are also being conducted to provide essential documents like Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and bank accounts to the tribal population. The efforts represent a significant move towards resolving decades-old land disputes and improving the living conditions of Thrissur’s tribal communities.
First Piper 