On Gandhi Jayanti, 13 village panchayats in Talavadi and Sathyamangalam Unions passed resolutions against NTCA's plan to relocate families from core tiger zones, citing ancestral ties to the forest.
Coimbatore: Residents of 13 village panchayats in Talavadi and Sathyamangalam Panchayat Unions have voiced their opposition to the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) plan to relocate families living in core tiger zones. The resolutions were passed during Gram Sabha meetings held on Wednesday, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
The NTCA had previously instructed the State government to expedite the relocation process, identifying 10 villages in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) for relocation, affecting 656 families. However, the specific villages to be relocated have not yet been disclosed.
In response to this move, the Tamil Nadu Tribal People's Association, along with various other organizations, formed the Federation of Tiger Reserve People's Rights to protest against the relocation plans.
The resolutions were passed in Hasanur, Iggalur, and eight other village panchayats in Talavadi Panchayat Union, as well as in Guthiyalathur, Gundri, and Koothampalayam village panchayats in Sathyamangalam Panchayat Union. The villagers urged the NTCA to withdraw the relocation order, emphasizing that the forest is their birthplace and that they have been living there for generations.
The resolutions highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the local communities and their forest homes, stating that relocation would disrupt their traditional way of life. The villagers expressed their firm opposition to the relocation plans and demanded that the NTCA reconsider its decision, taking into account the historical and cultural significance of their forest dwellings.
This strong show of unity among the village panchayats underscores the challenges faced by conservation authorities in balancing wildlife protection with the rights and livelihoods of indigenous forest-dwelling communities. The situation continues to develop as local residents await a response from the NTCA regarding their concerns.
The NTCA had previously instructed the State government to expedite the relocation process, identifying 10 villages in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) for relocation, affecting 656 families. However, the specific villages to be relocated have not yet been disclosed.
In response to this move, the Tamil Nadu Tribal People's Association, along with various other organizations, formed the Federation of Tiger Reserve People's Rights to protest against the relocation plans.
The resolutions were passed in Hasanur, Iggalur, and eight other village panchayats in Talavadi Panchayat Union, as well as in Guthiyalathur, Gundri, and Koothampalayam village panchayats in Sathyamangalam Panchayat Union. The villagers urged the NTCA to withdraw the relocation order, emphasizing that the forest is their birthplace and that they have been living there for generations.
The resolutions highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the local communities and their forest homes, stating that relocation would disrupt their traditional way of life. The villagers expressed their firm opposition to the relocation plans and demanded that the NTCA reconsider its decision, taking into account the historical and cultural significance of their forest dwellings.
This strong show of unity among the village panchayats underscores the challenges faced by conservation authorities in balancing wildlife protection with the rights and livelihoods of indigenous forest-dwelling communities. The situation continues to develop as local residents await a response from the NTCA regarding their concerns.