Context:
Recently, for the first time Tamil Nadu purchased private (patta) land in Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) for conservation.
Legal frameworks:
- Land acquired through private negotiation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act, 2013)
- A sum was paid as compensation to 7 land owners, who volunteered to surrender their land
Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR):
- State – Tamil Nadu
- Location – Western Ghats region.
- Formation – By combining Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary and Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Connecting link – Between Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve and Tamil Nadu’s Southern Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
- Plays amajor role in the revival and restoration of Vaigai River.
Other TRs in Tamil Nadu:
- Mudumalai
- Anamalai
- Sathyamangalam
- Kalakkad-Mundanthurai.
Vaigai River:
- Origin – Varushanad Hills (Western Ghats)
- Tributaries – Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varahanadhi, Manjalaru
- Drains into – Palk Strait
- The river finds a mention in Sangam literature dated to 300 before Common Era.
Source: The New Indian Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007, consider the following statements:
1. This policy is applicable only to the persons affected by the acquisition of land for projects and not to the involuntary displacement due to any other reason.2. This policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2010 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct:
The National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 provides for benefits and compensation to people displaced by land acquisition purchases or any other involuntary displacement.
Statement 2 is not correct:
The government of India, Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Land Resources, have formulated a National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007.
