Pandaram lands

Source-This post on Pandaram lands has been created based on the article “Lakshadweep residents fume as administration continues to number trees on Pandaram lands” published in “The Indian Express” on 16 February 2024.

Why in the news?

Lakshadweep administration continues to number trees on Pandaram lands, allegedly insisting that such property belongs to the government.

About Pandaram lands

Pandaram lands is a form of land ownership. According to the agreement signed in 1884, the Pandaram land was handed over to them and if they continued to possess them for 40 years, then the ownership of these Pandaram land would pass on to the islanders.

Over 60% of the land in Lakshadweep, falls under the Pandaram lands. This land covers parts of Androth, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Agatti islands, as well as six uninhabited islands.

What is the recent controversy?

Local people claim that the earlier governments used to pay them compensation for acquiring Pandaram lands in their possession.

However, the current administration is continuing the process of numbering of trees on Pandaram lands, insisting that such property belongs to the government. They fear that the government is displacing them from their native lands in the name of advancing developmental projects.

Read more about-Islands of Lakshadweep.

UPSC syllabus-Geography in news