G.O.(Ms).No.116, Inclusion of Eastern Ghats in the Special Area Development Programme, 2024

What the government order does

The Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (TC-II) Department issued G.O.(Ms).No.116 dated 1 October 2024 to extend the Special Area Development Programme to 33 blocks in 11 Eastern Ghats districts from 2024-2025 onwards. The Special Area Development Programme is funded entirely by the State and focuses on sustainable development, biodiversity, eco-development, eco-restoration, eco-preservation and protection of natural heritage.

The expansion is intended to provide special assistance to eco-sensitive hilly regions, including areas with significant tribal populations and areas not covered through normal budget allocation.

Selection criteria and phased coverage

The Eastern Ghats assessment used an altitude criterion of 400 metres above mean sea level. Of 82 proposed blocks in 14 districts, 50 blocks were found to have more than 33 percent of their area at or above that altitude.

Key decisions include:

• Thirty-six blocks had at least 50 percent of their area at or above 400 metres and were prioritised for Phase I.
• Anthiyur, Thalavadi and Dindigul blocks were already covered under the Special Area Development Programme for the Western Ghats.
• The government therefore approved 33 additional blocks for Eastern Ghats coverage.
• Fourteen other identified blocks may be considered in later years based on need and further assessment.
• Existing Special Area Development Programme administration and field implementation guidelines, including subsequent amendments, apply to the Eastern Ghats blocks.

Blocks covered

The 33 approved blocks are:

• Dharmapuri: Dharmapuri, Kadathur, Karimangalam, Palacode and Pappireddipatti.
• Krishnagiri: Bargur, Kaveripattinam, Kelamangalam, Krishnagiri, Shoolagiri, Thally and Veppanapalli.
• Kallakurichi: Kalrayanhills.
• Namakkal: Kollihills, Sendamangalam and Vennandur.
• Dindigul: Athoor and Shanarpatti.
• Erode: Sathyamangalam.
• Salem: Ayothiyapattinam, P.N.Palayam, Valapaadi and Yercaud.
• Tirupathur: Alangayam, Jolarpet, Madhanur, Natrampalli and Tirupathur.
• Tiruvannamalai: Jawadhumalai.
• Tiruchirappalli: Thuraiyur and Uppiliyapuram.
• Vellore: Anaicut and Pernambut.

Relevance to landowners and buyers

G.O.(Ms).No.116 concerns eligibility for Special Area Development Programme activities in the listed blocks. The document does not state that it changes land ownership, patta records, land classification or individual development rights.