In a statement issued by A.S. Shankarapandian, General Secretary of Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI), he stated as follows:
Megamalai in Theni district and the adjoining areas of Megamalai, Varusanadu, Thummakundu and Agamalai were declared part of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in 2021. Following this, the Forest Department has been imposing severe restrictions in the habitations of tribal people who have lived in this region for more than five generations. It prohibited them from taking materials such as cement and sheets to repair their houses. Restrictions are also imposed on transporting agricultural materials, and the road is closed after 6 p.m., creating a situation in which patients and pregnant women are severely affected.
It is alleged that, apart from refusing to provide basic amenities in areas inhabited by tribal people, the Forest Department has also been obstructing road repairs even though government funds have been allocated for them. Following a Supreme Court order last May to remove encroachments in the area, the Forest Department has intensified action to remove tribal people from their habitations by describing them as “encroachers”.
The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) was enacted on 29.12.2006 and came into force from 31.12.2007. This law, enacted to protect the welfare of 10 crore forest-dwelling people in India, grants full rights to tribal people who have traditionally lived in forest areas for three generations to continue living there. It also provides that the government should grant each family four hectares of land for their livelihood. It further grants rights to collect and sell forest produce including honey, medicinal plants, bamboo and teak leaves. Besides granting various rights such as grazing rights and fishing rights in water bodies, the law describes them as forest protectors.
Section 3(1)(i) of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 grants them community forest resource rights and the right to protect, regenerate and manage forest resources. This is not merely a right of use; it is a right of management. Section 3(1)(a) grants the right to live on forest land and undertake self-cultivation. Under this law, tribal people living in Megamalai have been seeking land title deeds and forest rights. However, their rights are being denied, and Forest Department officials are attempting to remove them from their habitations contrary to the law.
Such action could affect tribal people belonging to around 5,000 families living in Megamalai, Varusanadu, Thummakundu and other areas. The Forest Department should abandon the attempt to remove them, and steps should be taken to grant them land title deeds under the Forest Rights Act. The Tamil Nadu Government should file a review petition against the Supreme Court order affecting them. The government must ensure the basic right to livelihood of the people in this region.
Head Office,
Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI).