Residents of Azhur Village Threaten NOTA Vote Amid Land Disputes

Azhur Village Residents Demand Resolution of Land Issues

In Azhur village, located near Udhagamandalam (Ooty) in the Nilgiris district, local residents have declared their intention to vote for 'None of the Above' (NOTA) in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections on April 23 if the ongoing land disputes with the forest department remain unresolved. According to reports, various tribal communities in the area have been facing land conflicts for generations, as the forest department has designated approximately 300 acres around Azhur as protected forest land. However, this area includes 93 acres of residential homes and grazing land.

Around 300 families cultivate tea on small portions of grazing land, with each family utilizing about 10 cents of land. Despite repeatedly raising these concerns with district administration, villagers claim that only temporary solutions have been offered, and issues resurface whenever new officials take charge. A local resident, Ravi Kumar, stated that restrictions imposed by forest officials are impacting traditional livelihoods. For over a century, generations have relied entirely on agriculture and forest-related resources for their sustenance. Gathering leaves, plants, and small wood has been their primary source of income, enabling them to educate their children and support their families.

Despite multiple petitions submitted to the Chief Minister's office, no concrete action has been taken. Villagers assert that the land, which has been their means of livelihood, should be legally allocated to them. Azhur has around 800 registered voters. During a village council meeting, it was decided that if a permanent solution is not found, they will vote via NOTA in the upcoming assembly elections.

Additionally, villagers have accused forest officials of obstructing basic activities such as the collection of leaves necessary for their work. Frustrated by the lack of responses, they have resolved to express their dissent through NOTA. Separately, over 50 families in Nandavanam, Tiruchirappalli, who have lived without electricity, water, or toilets for 16 years, have announced their boycott of the upcoming assembly elections.