A nearly 50-year-old land dispute in Kerala's Pariyathukavu has been resolved after residents and landowners signed a settlement agreement providing land and housing for seven Dalit families.
Thuiruvananthapuram: A long-running land dispute in Kerala's Pariyathukavu has finally moved towards resolution after affected residents and landowners signed a settlement agreement. The deal paves the way for seven Dalit families to receive landin Ernakulam district, housing and rehabilitation benefits at the same site.
Nearly five-decade-old dispute reaches settlement
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The breakthrough came during a high-level meeting chaired by Roji M John and attended by district officials, landowners and representatives of the affected families.
According to the minister, the settlement was achieved after five rounds of discussions involving all stakeholders, bringing an end to a dispute that had remained unresolved for nearly 50 years.
Seven families to receive land ownership
Under the agreement, each of the seven Dalit families will be allotted five cents of land adjacent to their current place of residence.
The settlement ensures that the families can continue living in the area while gaining legal ownership of the allotted plots.
The Kerala government will facilitate the construction of houses measuring at least 1,000 square feet for each family through sponsorship arrangements.
Officials aim to complete the housing project within one year. Until the new homes are ready, the families will be allowed to remain in their existing residences.
As part of the rehabilitation package, a three-metre-wide access road will be created for the families and later handed over to the local panchayat.
Authorities will also construct a boundary wall separating the allotted residential plots from the remaining private property.
Survey work to begin next week
Government officials said survey operations to demarcate the land and access road will begin next week under the supervision of the survey department. The process is expected to be completed by June 30, after which construction work on the new homes will commence.
The affected families will also receive benefits available through the Scheduled Caste Development Department.
Officials have been instructed to ensure the timely delivery of welfare schemes and support measures to all eligible beneficiaries.
The government has assigned the Muvattupuzha Revenue Divisional Officer and the Perumbavoor Deputy Superintendent of Police to oversee implementation of the agreement. Both officers will submit weekly progress reports to the District Collector to ensure that the settlement is carried out smoothly.
Legal cases may be withdrawn
The state government also announced plans to initiate legal procedures for withdrawing criminal cases linked to the dispute, subject to legal provisions.
Both parties have agreed to maintain peace and cooperate with the implementation of court directions as part of the settlement process. The dispute involved several Dalit families who had lived for decades on land claimed by private owners.
A court order directing their eviction triggered demands for rehabilitation and generated political controversy, prompting the government to step in and facilitate negotiations between the parties.
(With PTI inputs)
Published: 16 Jun 2026, 11:02 am IST
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