Karadikal villagers, opposing encroachments on a pastoral land, submitted a petition with the district administration here on Monday.
As part of the movement initiated by the Tamil Nadu Federation of Pastoral Peoples’ Associations to restore pastoral lands to their original purpose, such lands that were encroached upon by individuals were being surveyed.
Through the process, C. Rajiv Gandhi, president of the Federation said, they had identified a seven-acre land at Karadikal village in Tirumangalam taluk, which was occupied by some individuals.
“To further assert their ownership, the individuals had even fenced the land. Even when the local people questioned their ownership over the land, the encroachers did not produce any documents,” he added.
According to a Supreme Court judgment in Jagpal Singh and Others vs State of Punjab and Others, 2011, usage of or encroachment on pastoral lands for any other purpose other than what was intended by the law was an unlawful activity, he said.
“Even when the pastoral lands look like just barren lands, they play a major role in preserving the ecosystem of the unique landscape meant for cattle grazing and other related activities,” he noted.
Recognising the importance of pastoral lands, the United Nations had designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists to raise awareness of the importance of these lands and the communities depending on them, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi added.
He appealed to the district administration to retrieve the pastoral land from the encroachers.
Published – November 10, 2025 06:57 pm IST
