The Idukki district administration has submitted a report recommending title deeds for farmers living above the full reservoir level (FRL) of key hydroelectric dams. These areas include the “ten-chain” zones of Kallarkutty, Chenkulam, and Ponmudi dams, and the “three-chain” zone around the Idukki dam. According to officials, 1,403 people in Kallarkutty, 222 in Chenkulam, about 100 in Ponmudi, and 1,502 residents in villages near the Idukki dam await land titles. The report came after a meeting with Ministers for Revenue, Water Resources, and Electricity, and instructions to District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt to review the matter. The joint verification by concerned departments resulted in a recommendation to give title deeds to settlers outside the FRL. Previously, during M.M. Mani’s tenure as Electricity Minister, title deeds were granted in the “seven-chain” zone but excluded the “three-chain” zone. Farmers have long demanded title deeds across the entire ten-chain area. However, legal hurdles remain. The Kerala High Court had earlier banned issuing title deeds under 1964 rules in these areas. Some farmer groups are now questioning how the government plans to proceed legally before upcoming Assembly elections. District Congress Committee general secretary Bijo Mani called the report a “political gimmick” to lure voters. He cited a recent Right to Information reply where the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) stated that prior permission is required to issue title deeds in dam catchment zones. “The KSEB and the government have not issued any official order indicating their readiness to distribute these deeds,” Mr. Mani said. He added, “Under the present circumstances, the government cannot legally issue title deeds to those in possession of land within the dam catchment areas.”