The Forest Department is considering drone surveys to check land claims by families living in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
The department plans to use drones after Grama Sabhas endorse the claims in Tiruppur district. Officials have already issued conditional pattas to 850 families out of 1,150 across 15 settlements. Each family can claim up to four hectares.
Grama Sabhas will confirm that the land has been held for three generations before further review by higher committees. Farmers in the area grow coffee, cardamom, ragi and pepper on the plots they seek to own.
A senior official stated that verification will proceed through drone surveys once the Grama Sabhas give their approval. The process follows the requirements of the 2006 forest rights law.