Tribal people in Erode submit claim forms seeking recognition of their traditional rights

ERODE Grama Sabha members from 10 hamlets in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) submitted claim form

Grama Sabha members from 10 hamlets in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) submitted claim forms to Gobichettipalayam Revenue Divisional Officer Palanidevi, who heads the Sub-Divisional Level Committee, here on Wednesday , demanding Community Rights (CR) and Community Forest Resources Rights (CFR).

These rights recognise and vest the right to use, manage, and conserve forest resources.

The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognises and vests forest rights in the scheduled tribes and other traditional forest dwellers, who have been residing in forests for generations but whose rights have not been recognised under the law in the State. Their traditional rights include offering prayers at temples located inside forests, cattle grazing in forest areas, collecting honey and other minor forest produce and using the water bodies inside forests.

The claim forms, supported with maps, past permits, gazette copies and approvals from grama sabha, were submitted by members of Kalithimbam, Mavanatham, Bejalatti, Ittarai, Thadasalatti, Ramaranai, Kodampalli, Allapuradoddi, Balapadugai and Sholakardoddi that have population of Urali, Kurumba, Irula and Sholaga tribes to the RDO. The Sub-Divisional Level Committee will examine the resolutions and records and forward it to the District Level Committee headed by the Collector which will decide on ensuring their rights.

The forms were submitted by presidents, secretaries and members of respective grama sabhas in the presence of representatives from Talavadi Adhivasigal Munnetra Sangam (TAMS) and Tribal People Association. “This is the first time that a claim for CFR has been submitted in the State ‘‘, said Balan, president of TAMS. “FRA is a tool to preserve our traditional knowledge in conservation of forests and it would help us reconnect with our roots and lead a sustainable life in the forests’‘, he said and added that the government would take a positive step on the claim submissions.

“Implementation of CFR is important to strengthen the relationship between forests and tribal people. It reinforces the sense of ownership and belonging and paves way for sustainable usage of resources.” said, Steffan Ajay, Assistant Coordinator for Communities, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-India).