44 Malayan families receive land in Olakara, Kerala

After many years of struggle, the residents of Olakara are celebrating a significant change. On Saturday, 44 families from the Malayan tribe received 1.5 acres of land each. This grant comes under the Forest Rights Act and marks the end of over 70 years of displacement. The ceremony was held despite poor weather, with rain and strong winds. However, the atmosphere was joyful. Velayudhan, a 74-year-old resident, shared that the community had faced dangers from wild animals and survived through small jobs. The new land offers hope for a better future. Ronica, a 90-year-old who moved to Olakara as a teenager, expressed her disbelief at finally having land to call her own. Madhavi Kuttappan, the tribal chieftain, was emotional while thanking the authorities for their support. Revenue Minister K. Rajan highlighted that this land is not a gift, but a right for the community. The journey to this moment has been long. Back in 2008, initial efforts to resolve land issues faced setbacks. In 2021, a recommendation to grant land to Olakara families brought new hope. However, challenges from the Forest department prolonged the waiting period. Government intervention eventually led to a meeting in November 2024, where it was confirmed that the residents were eligible for forest rights. Now, the people of Olakara can cultivate their land and look forward to new opportunities. This decision represents a new beginning for the community after decades of hardship.