The Kozhikode Divisional Forest Officer has recommended that the state government may acquire the disputed land in Thusharagiri to protect the forest around the falls.
In response to a petition filed by Varghese Mathew, Director of Movement for Tribal Heritage and Environment Research, India (Bharat Mata) to the President of India seeking intervention in the matter, the DFO stated that the Supreme Court’s order to hand over 23.83 acres of land After the Thushargiri forest of land to its original owners, the Thusharagiri ecotourism project or the road to it will not be affected in any way.
The disputed land is inclined and not suitable for any kind of construction including resort. However, the forest in the said land is the source of water that enriches the three springs of the region. So it is better to acquire land to conserve the waterfall, says the report.
In addition, the DFO recommends the state government to take a decision on whether to acquire the land by paying the necessary compensation.
The report has been submitted to the EFL’s custodian for further action.
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