The homes of Lakshmi, Anilkumar, and Meenakshi, who have lived on the land for over 16 years, were razed as part of a reported effort to clear settlements in elephant corridors near the sanctuary.
Published Nov 26, 2024 | 10:54 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 26, 2024 | 10:54 AM
Protesters in front of the office of the Tholpetty range assistant Wildlife warden.
A protest has been brewing since Monday, 25 November, at Tholpetty range after Kerala forest department personnel allegedly demolished the huts of three tribal families of the Kollimoola tribal settlement in the Begur area of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS).
According to local accounts, the homes of Lakshmi, Anilkumar, and Meenakshi, who have lived on the land for over 16 years, were razed on Sunday as part of a reported effort to clear settlements in elephant corridors near the sanctuary.
It is alleged that the demolition left the three families, including a newborn and schoolchildren, homeless and forced to spend the night in the jungle.
Tribal groups launched a protest after the incident came to light. The settlement falls under the Tirunelli panchayat, the home constituency of Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister OR Kelu.
The evicted families who were living in temporary shelters said the authorities razed their structures without any notice and did not ensure any rehabilitation.
According to them, the huts were demolished after they were promised new shelters along the roadside. They alleged that no concrete steps were taken, leaving them stranded and starving.
“We are unable to cook or access food. The food we were preparing was thrown away,” said one resident, reported The New Indian Express.
Tribal leaders, activists and local organisations condemned the incident and demanded action against the officials involved, accusing them of violating the Forest Rights Act and failing to ensure the basic rights of the tribal community.
Meanwhile, Forest Minister AK Saseendran promised strict action against those responsible. “A report has been sought from the Chief Wildlife Warden, and disciplinary action, including suspensions, will be initiated against the officials,” he said.
The administrative department directed the forest chief to ensure accountability.
Several families of a tribal settlement in Kollimoola were living in temporary structures after the construction of the homes allotted to them by the government was incomplete. While most people moved to the allotted homes, these three stayed behind as the ones allotted to them were inhabitable.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
