Megamalai villagers seek pattas and SC relief as eviction protest continues
Supreme Court on May 29 ordered removal of encroachments from the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve and directed withdrawal of utilities and unauthorised infrastructure from encroached forest areas.
Residents said the eviction proceedings and field-level action had created uncertainty over their homes, farms and access to basic services. They demanded pattas and legal protection to remain on land where they say generations have lived. Tamil Nadu govt subsequently moved the court seeking recall of portions of the order, while residents and political parties have pressed it to file a review petition. Eviction notices were issued to families without pattas last week, triggering fresh protests across Theni. Local shop owners, teachers and parties have expressed solidarity.
Madurai : Residents of hill villages in Megamalai region continued their sit-in at Kadamalaikundu for the fourth day on Tuesday, opposing moves to evict families without land titles.
Bommy, a woman protester, said. Why provide electricity, drinking water, schools and anganwadis if we were never supposed to live here?” she said. “Our children are studying here. If we are suddenly removed, what will happen to their education and their future? “Our farming, cattle and entire livelihood are here. Where can we go and start everything again? Another resident, Ranjith, questioned why successive govts provided public services if their occupation was considered illegal. “Why give us ration cards and Aadhaar?