Canacona tribals allege violation of their rights

7 May 2009, 0631 hrs IST, Ajit Painginkar, TNN

POINGUINIM: The denial of the rights of tribals by forest officials as specified under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers ( recognition of forest rights) Act, 2006, has sparked a controversy in the forest area of Cancona taluka.

For 34 families dwelling in the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, the struggle for livilihood has been going on since the last 40 years. The proposal of their rehabilitation to Dabhel is stuck in red-tapism. Their right to catch crabs, pick mushrooms or collect firewood is being denied by the forest department, and this the locals say, is a clear "violation of the law".

"The forest officals have closed the traditional access to the sanctuary. They have also blocked the area where the locals staged traditional dramas. Marle-Tirval residents are harassed without any reason," said Narayn Gaonkar, a resident of Marle.

"The law provides that there be a ban on entry to the sanctuary within a radius of 10km from its border. Those found collecting firewood from within this distance are taken to task by the forest officers. Villagers are not even allowed to graze animals in the area. The governement has not rehabiliated us either," says Mahadev Goankar, a Cotigao resident.

According to another resident of the area, Mhablu Velip, forest officials badger the women by snatching their koitas and threaten to tie them to trees. Even last month, two persons involved in the liquor trade at the Hattipaul check-post were allegedly beaten up by the forest officials.

Anand Mestri, round forest officer, however stated that the forest department has always protected the rights of those staying in the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary. Action by forest officials is taken only against outsiders who enter the area and try to take advantage, he added.

BJP MLA Ramesh Tawadkar has thrown his weight behind the tribals and criticised the government for not recognising the rights of scheduled tribes and other forest dwellers. He said that the law provides for the recognition of various rights of those staying in forest areas. The Velip community was given the scheduled tribes status in 2005. The community members who dwell in forest areas are yet to get their legitimate rights, he added.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Canacona-tribals-allege-violation-of-their-rights/articleshow/4493174.cms