Declaration of De-reservation of Part of Mullakadu Reserve Forest in Thoothukkudi District under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act
The Environment and Forest Department issued G.O. Ms. No. 66, Environment and Forests (FR.14), dated 2nd June 2015, published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on 24th June 2015, declaring that a specified part of Mullakadu Reserve Forest in Thoothukkudi District will cease to be reserved forest from the date of Gazette publication. The notification was made under Section 24 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882, with prior approval of the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and it excludes mangrove area measuring 21.73 hectares.
What this notification does
The Environment and Forest Department, through G.O. Ms. No. 66, Environment and Forests (FR.14), dated 2nd June 2015, declares de-reservation of a part of Mullakadu Reserve Forest in Thoothukkudi District.
The notification says that the specified forest area, described in the annexure and identified by G.P.S. coordinates, will cease to be reserved forest from the date it was published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, which is 24th June 2015.
Legal basis stated in the Gazette
The Gazette states that the Governor of Tamil Nadu issued the declaration in exercise of powers under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882.
It also states that prior approval of the Central Government was obtained as required under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Land covered
The land covered is a portion of Mullakadu Reserve Forest in Thoothukkudi District.
Key points given in the notification are:
- the area had earlier been declared as Reserved Forest
- that earlier declaration was published in Development Department Notification No. 297 in the Fort St. George Gazette, dated the 13th November 1923
- the present de-reservation applies only to the portion specified in the annexure
- mangrove area to the extent of 21.73 hectares is excluded from the de-reservation
- the boundaries of the affected area are set out through a long list of G.P.S. coordinates
- the tables refer to survey numbers including 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366 and 367
Who this may affect
This Gazette matters mainly to people dealing with land in or near the notified part of Mullakadu in Thoothukkudi District.
It may be relevant to:
- land buyers checking whether land still forms part of reserved forest
- landowners and occupiers near the listed survey numbers and coordinates
- surveyors, planners and lawyers verifying forest status from official records
- anyone checking whether mangrove portions remain excluded
What a reader should verify
A property buyer or owner should match the land location with the survey numbers and G.P.S. coordinates printed in the Gazette annexure.
The Gazette does not de-reserve all of Mullakadu Reserve Forest. It de-reserves only the specified part, and it expressly excludes the mangrove area measuring 21.73 hectares.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does this notification remove reserved forest status from all of Mullakadu Reserve Forest?
No. The Gazette says only a specified portion of Mullakadu Reserve Forest in Thoothukkudi District will cease to be reserved forest.
When did the de-reservation take effect?
The Gazette says the specified area shall cease to be reserved forest with effect from the date of publication of the Gazette. The Gazette issue is dated 24th June 2015.
Are mangrove areas included in the de-reserved land?
No. The notification expressly excludes mangrove area to the extent of 21.73 hectares.
How can I check whether my land falls within the de-reserved area?
The Gazette identifies the land through an annexure of G.P.S. coordinates and survey numbers. You would need to compare your land details with those coordinates and survey numbers.
