The New Indian Express, March 6 2014, Thiruvanathapuram: The State Government on Wednesday gave its nod for bringing in relaxation on Ecologically Fragile Land (EFL) Act by making amendments. As per the decision, land will be acquired only after giving appropriate compensation.

Briefing mediapersons after the weekly Cabinet meeting here on Wednesday, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that even in the case of a land with title deed, it would be acquired only after giving appropriate compensation.

“The government has decided to give back land acquired up to two hectares back to the owners. In cases where it is not viable to give back land, in order to protect forest land, compensation will be given to the owners,” he said.

As per the amendment, in cases of land acquired above two hectares and up to 15 acres, the land owners will be compensated with two hectares of land.

“Wherever this is not possible, compensation will be given. The government is of the view that if the land belonging to tribal people has been acquired, the same will be given back. If their habitat is getting affected due to the EFL laws, a solution to it will be sought,” Chandy said. The Chief Minister said that in future, land acquisition under the EFL Act could only be carried out after getting sanction from the government.

“The changes made by the State Government to the EFL stipulations need to be ratified by the Central Government,” he said.

Web: http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Govt-Nod-to-Amend-EFL-Act-Farmers-to-Get-Compensation/2014/03/06/article2093431.ece#.UxjbIT-SxSs