Exclusion Dispute Erupts in Neelakurinji Sanctuary as 167 Residents Petition for Settlement List Inclusion

A formal dispute has emerged regarding the settlement list for the Neelakurinji Sanctuary, with 167 residents filing petitions seeking inclusion after being initially excluded. The controversy centers on land ownership verification procedures, where notices were issued to landholders mandating submission of ownership documents by February 14 for validation. Subcollector V.M. Arya has confirmed that a formal proposal addressing the excluded residents' concerns has been forwarded to government authorities for review. This development highlights potential administrative oversights in the sanctuary's settlement process and raises questions about documentation requirements and resident eligibility criteria. The situation requires careful governmental consideration to balance conservation objectives with legitimate resident claims, as improper handling could lead to prolonged legal challenges and community unrest. The outcome will establish important precedents for similar conservation-related settlement disputes across protected areas.