Publicity given for the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 to educate the STs on their rights on forest land became a nuisance for the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). ITDA organised street plays with the help of Jana Vignana Vedika cultural troops to highlight the Act in the areas close to forest. Many people including vested interests are making a beeline to the ITDA office everyday to stake a claim on forest land though they are no way concerned and not eligible under the Act. "At least 10 people are knocking on our doors every day to seek forest land for some purpose or other as if it is up for grabs," ITDA project officer, Mr M. Ramachandra said. According to the project officer, the Act is concerned with the rights of forest dwelling communities to land and other resources denied to them over decades because of the continuance of colonial forest laws in India. The Act grants rights to the land that is being farmed by the tribals or forest dwellers as on December 13, 2005 subject to a maximum of four hectares. Ownership is only for the land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family. User rights are given for minor forest produce, to grazing areas and to pastoral routes. Relief and development rights to rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities subject to restrictions for forest protection. Forest management rights are also given to protect forests and wildlife. Eligibility to get rights under the Act is confined to those who primarily reside in forests and who depend on forests and forest land for a livelihood. Further, the claimant must be a member of the Scheduled Tribes scheduled in that area. In case of others they must have been residing in the forest for 75 years. Even if allotted, the beneficiary cannot sell the land and it is meant for cultivation by him or by his successors, Mr Ramachandra said. He said that they have identified 40 families each in Kavali and Nayudupeta mandals for allocation of pattas.