Fire destroys 2,013 hectare forest in last 2 months in Kerala

Nearly 2013 hectare of forest cover was destroyed in fire incidents that occurred at 441 places across Kerala in the last two months, the state assembly was informed today.
Total loss due to the fire incidents was estimated at Rs.2,43,258, Forest Minister K Raju said giving details of the forest fires.
He said steps had been taken to harvest water inside the forest. Efforts also have been made to recharge the water sources inside the forest, he added.
The Minister said that there was no restriction for farming on land received under the Forest Rights Act.
Action would be taken against officials who creates hurdles to farming, he added.

State Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribe A K Balan said that government would provide title deeds to 4,075 persons under Forest Rights Act before March 31.
Steps were also progressing to assign land to 12435 tribals in the state, he said adding 'aim of the government is to resolve the land problem of tribals in next two years'.
So far 25081 persons have received 33,778 acres of land under Forest Rights Act, he said.