question_answer 21)

Thousands of tribal’s and other forest dwellers gathered at Piparia in Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh to protest against their proposed displacement from the Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. They argue that such a displacement is an attack on their livelihood and beliefs. Government claims that their displacement is essential for the development of the area and for protection of wildlife. Write a petition on behalf of the forest dwellers to the NHRC, a response from the government and a report of the NHRC on this matter.

Answer:

(a) The petition should be as follows   •We the tribal and the forest people have been living in and near the forests for hundreds of years and have earned our livelihood from the forests. The forests are our home and place of work.   •It is wrong to displace us from our traditional homes. By doing so you are taking away our livelihood and traditions because we know no other work.   •We request the NHRC to take up our cause and prevent our displacement from the forest due to the setting up of the wildlife sanctuaries.   (b) The Response of the Government   •The government, in order to protect the wildlife which is nearing extinction, has decided to set up wildlife parks and wildlife sanctuaries and provide natural habitats to the endangered species and other animals.   •For doing this, human interference has to be stopped and so the tribals and the forest dwellers are to be displaced from these areas.   •However, keeping in mind the welfare of the tribals and ensuring a future for the tribals will be rehabilitated in some other suitable place.   (c) NHRC Report   •The National Human Rights Commission gave its report on the proposed displacement of the tribals and the forest dwellers from the wildlife parks and sanctuaries like the Satpura National Park, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary and Panchmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary.   •NHRC said that the tribals and the forest dwellers have since ages lived in the forests and also earned their livelihood from the forests.   •However, realising the importance of the forests in their lives they have taken care not to harm it or damage it in any manner.   •They have co-existed in the forests with all the flora and fauna and they have many beliefs and traditions which intact protect the forests and the animals.   •Finally, they are not a threat to the flora and the fauna and they can help to protect, preserve and conserve the forest flora and fauna so they should be allowed to live in the forests as a part of the forest.