UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis. Feb 14th, 2024 CNA. Download PDF [Video]

B. GS 2 Related

Category: GOVERNANCE

1. On the rights of forest dwellers

Syllabus: Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.

Mains: Issues related to tribals and forest dwellers

Introduction:

The recent notification of the Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, has stirred apprehension among forest-dwelling communities. They fear a potential infringement of their rights guaranteed under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (FRA). 

Challenges in Forest Declaration: 

The Thanthai Periyar Sanctuary, formed from several reserved forests including North and South Bargur, has omitted six tribal forest villages from its jurisdiction. This exclusion deprives them of essential rights and facilities, exacerbating their vulnerability. Forest villages, mandated for conversion to revenue villages since 1990, have been neglected, undermining the FRA’s stipulations.

Tamil Nadu’s FRA Implementation:

Despite national mandates, Tamil Nadu has been sluggish in recognizing forest rights. …