G.O. (Ms.) No. 39, Inclusion of Certain Blocks in the Special Area Development Programme, 2018
The Government of Tamil Nadu Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (TC-I) Department issued G.O. (Ms.) No. 39, dated 2 May 2018, to include four additional blocks and their taluks within the Western Ghats Region for Special Area Development Programme works. It expands the earlier programme coverage to 10 districts, 42 taluks and 71 blocks.
What the government order does
G.O. (Ms.) No. 39 of the Government of Tamil Nadu Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (TC-I) Department, dated 2 May 2018, expands the area covered by the Special Area Development Programme. The programme had previously covered 10 districts, 40 taluks and 67 blocks.
The expansion followed reports that the existing elevation condition created practical difficulties. Forest areas, fringe villages and adjoining buffer areas extended below 600 m ASL, preventing some necessary works and sustainable livelihood activities from being implemented in needy areas.
Areas added to the programme
G.O. (Ms.) No. 39 includes the following blocks and corresponding taluks within the Western Ghats Region for Special Area Development Programme works and activities:
- Athoor Block, Athoor Taluk, Dindigul District.
- Kadamalaikundru Mayiladumparai Block, Andipatti Taluk, Theni District.
- Watrap Block, Srivilliputtur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.
- Sedapatti Block, Peraiyur Taluk, Madurai District.
After these additions, the stated target area is 10 districts, 42 taluks and 71 blocks. Revised annexures were appended for Unit I under the Project Director, Special Area Development Programme, Udhagamandalam, and Unit II under the State Planning Commission, Chennai.
Why the coverage was expanded
The earlier programme guidelines used designated hilly areas above 600 m ASL as a key parameter. The Agricultural Engineering Department reported that forests, fringe villages and buffer areas could lie between 600 m and 400 m ASL. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests also reported difficulty in carrying out necessary site-specific works below 600 m ASL.
The State Planning Commission proposed reconsidering the elevation condition where areas otherwise met relevant characteristics such as vegetation, rainfall, slope, geology and landform. The government accepted the proposal to include the four listed blocks.
Relevance to landowners and buyers
G.O. (Ms.) No. 39 concerns geographic coverage for government development works and activities under the Special Area Development Programme. The text does not state that it changes land ownership, patta records, property transfer rights, land classification or development permission requirements. A property owner in one of the listed blocks may, however, be within an area covered by programme activities.
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Common questions
Which new areas were brought under the Special Area Development Programme?
Athoor Block, Kadamalaikundru Mayiladumparai Block, Watrap Block and Sedapatti Block were included, together with their corresponding taluks in Dindigul, Theni, Virudhunagar and Madurai districts.
Does G.O. (Ms.) No. 39 change my patta or ownership rights?
The text does not state that it changes patta records, land ownership or property transfer rights. It changes the areas covered for Special Area Development Programme works and activities.
Was the 600 m ASL condition removed everywhere?
The government accepted the proposal to include four specified blocks after practical problems with the elevation condition were reported. The text does not state that the condition was removed everywhere.
How large is the revised programme area?
The revised target area is stated as 10 districts, 42 taluks and 71 blocks.
