NAMAKKAL: As many as 1500 tribals of Kollimalai hills in Namakkal district have been so far given ‘land pattas’ under the Scheduled Tribes and other Tribals Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, disclosed the district collector, Dr M Asia Mariam on Friday.
The handing over of ‘land titles’ with help of Forest department will help the tribal families of Kollimalai continue with their traditional agriculture, which they have been doing for generations without any hassles, she said speaking at a function at Semmedu Valvil to commemorate the memory of ‘Vallal Ori’, one of the ancient munificent Tamil Kings who is said to have ruled over Kollimalai, and a flower show associated with the annual event organised by the State government.
The collector said Namakkal district has topped the State in the disbursement of loans to women self-help groups, which was to the tune of Rs 350 crore last year.
Dr Mariam disbursed welfare assistance to the tune of Rs 2.84 crore to 989 beneficiaries. She inaugurated an exhibition on state’s achievements. Earlier she offered floral tributes to a portrait King ‘Vallal Ori’.
