Fri Apr 04 12:20:47 UTC 2025: ## Shivamogga to Conduct Joint Survey to Resolve Decades-Old Land Dispute
**SHIVAMOGGA, INDIA (April 4, 2025)** – A joint survey of 9,129 acres of forest land in Shivamogga district is underway to address a long-standing land dispute affecting people displaced by the Sharavati Hydroelectric Project. Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegade instructed revenue and forest department officials to conduct the survey transparently, involving local residents and ensuring no undue pressure influences the process.
The survey aims to de-reserve forest land for the rehabilitation of individuals displaced over 60 years ago due to the project. These individuals have been seeking land grants for decades. Following state and central government meetings, the decision was made to conduct the joint survey.
Forty-two teams, each comprising a village accountant, revenue inspector, deputy range forest officer, and surveyors, have been deployed. The survey will utilize land records, sketches, GPS readings, and boundary assessments to accurately determine the land held by cultivators. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of accurate information from cultivators and verification of documents. The entire process is expected to be completed within a month.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Shivamogga Circle), G.T. Hanumanthappa, detailed the survey procedures, including the use of Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and spot mahajar (on-the-spot inspection reports). The initiative marks a significant step toward resolving a decades-old issue and providing a solution for the affected population.
First Piper 