CPI urges Erode Collector to uphold tribal rights, seeks approval for development works
The Communist Party of India (CPI) has sought the intervention of District Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara, who also serves as the Chairperson of the District-level Committee for the Forest Rights Act (FRA), to ensure that development works intended for tribal communities are not obstructed by the Forest Department.
In an email to the Collector, former Bhavanisagar MLA P.L. Sundaram pointed out that a gram sabha resolution had been passed for land conversion to construct a concrete road in the Mavanatham settlement, which falls under the Thalamalai forest range of the Sathyamangalam Forest Division.
Another resolution was passed seeking basic facilities for Pudukadu village, under the Hasanur forest range of the Hasanur Forest Division. However, the District Forest Officers (DFOs) of Sathyamangalam and Hasanur refused permission and directed that online applications be submitted through the PARIVESH portal of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to obtain forest and wildlife clearance.
The email argued that such permission from the Central Government is not required, and that the rules under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1980, are not applicable to these proposals.
It further highlighted that the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act (FRA), applies to tiger reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries across the country and recognises various rights of tribal communities.
Under Section 3(2) of the Act and related communications from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2008, 13 categories of development activities for tribal communities are permitted, provided they do not exceed one hectare in area and involve the removal of no more than 75 trees.
'These proposals involve less than one hectare and meet the criteria, so the DFOs of Hasanur and Sathyamangalam should grant permission,' the email stated. It also noted that the denial of such permission constitutes a violation of the FRA and amounts to a criminal offence under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The email concluded by urging the Collector to intervene and ensure that the proposed development works are carried out and the rights of tribal communities are upheld.
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