Silvester D’ Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Apr 21: “People are facing issues due to the 'deemed forest' issue. It is surprising that the land allotted by the government earlier is being termed as deemed forest now. Several families of Tallur and Hattiangadi villages have not received title deeds,” members of Kundapur taluk panchayat argued on Wednesday.

“Sites were approved for 125 families in Hattiangadi. They have been cancelled and 100 new sites are issued under the 94C scheme to the beneficiaries. The remaining 25 beneficiaries have not received the title deeds because of the deemed forest,” said member Karun Poojary. As he was not convinced with the explanation, he urged that the tahsildar should clarify. “The tahsildar should have been present in the meeting. The matter is being repeatedly discussed in the meeting. Why is there no value placed for the demands of the members?” he questioned.

Jyothi Putran asked how can deemed forest come in under the land that was already approved. “The subject is being dragged by the officials for the last five years. Where is the solution for it?,” she questioned.

Vasudev Pai pointed out that a woman had constructed her house 40 years ago but the title deed has not been issued to her. He said that the needy are not getting their due benefits. Surendra Kharvi asked why the tahsildar makes confusing statements. Vasudev Pai expressed dissatisfaction over the issue persisting for years.

Member Shailashree S urged that the one-acre land in Korgi gram panchayat limits marked for crematorium should be handed over for the same purpose. Narayana Gujjadi, Udaya Poojary Chittur and Vasudev Pai backed the request.

President Indira Shetty said that the issue of drinking water at Hakladi has not been solved by the tahsildar even after it was brought to his notice. “The absence of taluk panchayat officers in the meetings has become a daily occurrence. Is there no value for the Panchayat Raj Act?” asked Karun Kumar Poojary. “A special meeting should be held soon,” he said.

“The construction of residential quarters at Tallur is unscientific. The wastewater is flowing into the drain. Has the Pollution Control Board been informed about it? Has action been taken against panchayat which gave the approval?” he questioned.

Taluk panchayat president Indira Shetty presided over the meet. Vice president Ramkishan Hegde, social justice committee president, Roopa Pai, executive officer, Keshava Shettigar and probationary executive, Prathibha were present.