Q- Thousands of tribals and other forest dwellers gathered at Piparia in Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh to protest against their proposed displacement from the Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. They argue that such a displacement is an attack on their livelihood and beliefs. The government claims that their displacement is essential for the development of the area and for the protection of wildlife. Write a petition on behalf of the forest dwellers to the NHRC, a response from the government, and a report of the NHRC on the matter.
Answer- (a) Letter from the Tribals to the NHRC
To,
The Chairman,
National Human Right Commission,
Delhi, India
Date: Date of writing this letter (16 October 2022)
Subject: Displacement of Tribals.
Respected Sir/Mam,
Through this letter, I want to draw your attention to the plight of forest dwellers in the Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. The government wants to displace these people.
The proposal of the government is a violation of the human rights of forest dwellers. They are asking for the displacement of tribals from this region but the government is not providing them with any other alternative suggestions with regard to the future of these forest dwellers.
So please look into the matter and provide the much-required help to these people.
Thank You Sir/Mam
Regards,
(Your Name)
Piparia, Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh or (Your Address)
(b) Response of the Government:
In response to the letter government would say that:
For some years we had noticed that there is a rapid rise in deforestation, environmental pollution, and hunting of wildlife that results in their extinction. So it is the responsibility of the government to protect the wildlife of their country. So for this, we had given an alarming warning to the people two years ago.
We also offered you some alternative suggestions after the displacement of the tribal communities. The government would provide compensation, promise rehabilitation, and also would provide jobs to the men.
(c) NHRC’s Reported points regarding this case:
- Firstly both the government and tribals have pointed out that this is the responsibility of the government to protect the wildlife and the tribals had traditions, practices, and decades of residence between them. It is their World and life.
- But the response of the government is not bad to provide jobs, compensation, and rehabilitation in the alternative suggestion of displacement.
- Sudden uprooting will leave them emotionally disturbed, turn them into vagabonds, and force them into jobs or occupations which had never been done or followed.
- So the tribe should accept the suggestion of the government as it would be beneficial for both tribals as well as the government.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Forest Rights Act help tribals and forest dwellers?
The Forest Right Act helped the tribals and forest dwellers a lot. It provided them the permission to access and use the forest resources in the manner that they were traditionally accustomed. This act solved the major dispute between the forest department and tribal people.
What forest dwellers are called?
Forest Dwellers are called Homeless because they used to live in forests and migrate from one place to another every season.