With 3,90,480.86 acres (1,580.22 sq km) of forests, Wayanad has a large share of its geographical area under forest cover (74.19%).1 The tribal population of 1,53,1812 in Wayanad is the highest among Kerala’s districts. Nearly 43,257 tribals live in or near forests, in 553 settlements.3 Around 22 percent of these hamlets are benefited by the 124 CR (Community Rights) titles issued till 2020, in Wayanad. This forms a major chunk of the 174 CR granted in the state.4
District: