Hundreds of tribal people and farmers marched in Dahanu, Maharashtra, to submit land-related claims to the Palghar district office. The march, organized by the Kashtakari Sangathan, aimed to address long-standing issues concerning land rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006.
Participants demanded the immediate processing and approval of individual and community forest rights claims, many of which have been pending for years. They highlighted the difficulties faced due to the lack of land titles, including limited access to government schemes and vulnerability to displacement. The protestors allege deliberate delays and bureaucratic hurdles in the claim verification process.
Specifically, the protestors are seeking rights over traditionally cultivated lands, particularly cashew and chiku orchards, which are crucial for their livelihoods. They claim that despite fulfilling all necessary documentation requirements, their claims remain unresolved. The marchers also voiced concerns about the increasing encroachment of forest land by private entities and the lack of protection for their traditional forest resources.
The Kashtakari Sangathan criticized the Forest Department and district administration for failing to effectively implement the FRA and for allegedly favoring private interests over the rights of tribal communities and farmers. They emphasized the importance of land rights for the socio-economic empowerment of these communities.
The protestors submitted a memorandum to the Palghar District Collector outlining their demands, including a time-bound resolution of all pending claims, protection of forest land from encroachment, and the inclusion of tribal communities in decision-making processes related to forest management. They warned of further agitations if their demands are not addressed promptly. The event underscored the ongoing struggle for land rights faced by tribal communities and farmers in Maharashtra and the need for effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act.
