Tribals cry foul as officials raze huts in Nagarahole tiger reserve
The Forest Department of Karnataka carried out an operation in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on June 18 to clear new constructions that had come up overnight even as tribals and activists cried foul over the move.
The incident is a fallout of the long-drawn dispute between the Forest Department and the tribal communities who have alleged that their claims under the Forest Rights Act have been rejected by the authorities.
On May 5 and 6, about 150 tribals from Attur Kolli forest areas who work in the local estates, had asserted their rights over forest land. They refused to vacate the place pending settlement of their claims. Some sheds or dwelling units were constructed at that time, and the 52 families, who had claimed rights over the forest land, were camping there.
Ananya Kumar, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Nagarahole Wildlife Division, said that the residential dwellings that were removed on June 18, had come up overnight and were in addition to the six units constructed in May. ''The earlier dwellings have not been disturbed,' he added.
The new huts were constructed in Nalikeri forest in the Nagarahole Wildlife Division.
The operation was carried out in the presence of police amidst opposition from tribals and rights activists.
Ananya Kumar said the Forest Department was forced to clear the fresh construction. 'If left unchecked, their numbers could proliferate and lead to large-scale encroachment of the tiger reserve.'
The authorities said 52 families are claiming rights over the forest land, but available documents indicate that there was no hamlet by the name of Attur Koli in the records.
The activists claim that the village or hamlet has been mentioned in the Muzaffar Assadi Committee report and the local people have ration cards, death certificates, school certificates mentioning their village as Karikallu Atturu Koli village.
The local villagers have reached out to the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission and submitted a petition. The Forest Department was accused of suppressing the rights of individuals and the community to life, dignity, food, shelter, land, water and livelihood, all of which are fundamental human rights, according to the petition submitted to the KSHRC.
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