Haveri
Women from Magodu village in Ranebennur taluk staged a unique protest outside the Haveri Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding land ownership documents for the plots where they have been living for decades. Carrying packed meals from their village, the women reached the district office and demanded that the authorities address their long-pending demand.
The protesters said more than 80 families have been living in houses constructed on the land for around 30 to 40 years. They said most of the families depend on daily wage labour, agricultural work and other low-income occupations. Despite living on the plots for several decades, they alleged that they have not been provided with land titles.
The women said the government had earlier allotted land near the village to poor and landless families. They claimed that several beneficiaries across Karnataka have received land titles under the government’s land guarantee initiative, while families in Magodu were still waiting for similar documents. They also said they had previously approached the taluk administration and met officials regarding the issue, but their demand remained unresolved.
Protesters said the lack of proper ownership documents has left families worried about their future. They also highlighted the absence of adequate roads and drainage facilities in the area. Some residents said they had arranged electricity and water facilities on their own, but continue to live with uncertainty because they do not possess documents establishing ownership of their homes.
Speaking during the protest, Hanumanthappa Kabbar said the families had been living in Magodu for nearly four decades and urged the district administration to provide them with land titles. He warned that the residents would intensify their protest if the issue was not resolved.
Protester Shilpa said the women had brought food and decided to remain at the district office until they received a response. Another resident, Manjavva, said the families wanted official recognition of the land on which they had built their homes.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Vijayamahantesh Dhanammanavar received the petition and assured the protesters that the administration would examine the matter. He said local officials would be sent to gather details and that action would be taken to provide land titles in accordance with the law.