Forest rights still far away for tribal communities

Tribal communities and traditional forest dwellers are still fighting for individual and community rights to forest land and resources, which were recognized by the Forest Rights Act almost 15 years ago. There are several issues affecting the effective implementation of the 2006 Act across Tamil Nadu.

K Padmini, a leader of the Kadar community at Erumaiparai in Coimbatore district, said, “Though we are entitled to the rights of the land used before 2005, we are being given only 1.5 per cent, though we are in possession of much more. Mechanically, 1.5 per cent is given to those who apply.”

In some villages of Theni district, some people from tribal communities are working for the government as Anganwadi workers or sanitation workers. Ekta Parishad’s state coordinator activist S. Thanaraj said that they have been denied personal rights on the ground that they are government employees. “There is no rule that prevents the government from giving them powers.”

Erode district convener of Tamil Nadu Pazhangudi Makkal Sangam S. Mohan Kumar said, in areas close to tiger reserves, grant of community rights is a major issue. “Officials say that animals need gooseberry more than us. Our livelihood is affected. We are not even allowed to collect grass [used in brooms] beyond a limit. Although we are entitled to more than 40 minor forest products, there are many restrictions.

In many settlements near forest areas, “traditional gram sabhas” (different from those under Panchayati Raj) are yet to be formed. They are essential for the formation of Forest Rights Committees. Mr Thanaraj alleged, “At many places in Madurai district, regular meetings of sub-divisional committees and district committees are not being held.”

He argued that unless the land for which they were given forest rights was converted into revenue villages, the beneficiaries would not be able to level the land.

When contacted a senior official said Hindu That no rule deprives the forest rights of people working for the government. “For 1.5 per cent, there were some complaints from Thali in Tiruppur district. Officers have been directed to investigate them.”

Regarding complaints of inactive sub-divisional committees, he said that a meeting would be held in a few weeks. “We are planning two training meetings for RDOs, forest rangers and others. One meeting is for Tiruchi region and the other for Coimbatore region. He said a meeting of forest workers was held earlier this year.

As of August this year, over 9,800 individual and 470 community rights have been granted in 17 districts of Tamil Nadu.