Tribal communities in Nagarahole also opposed research or commercial activities without their consent and reiterated that any initiative in their “traditional lands” should be undertaken only with the prior approval of gram sabhas as mandated by law. | Photo credit: File photo
Tribal communities in several villages in Nagarahole have passed resolutions against the resettlement of forest communities on the pretext of rehabilitation.
They also opposed research or commercial activities without their consent and reiterated that any initiative on their “traditional lands” should be undertaken only with the prior approval of gram sabhas as mandated by law.
These and other resolutions were taken during the ongoing information march on the implementation of the provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006. It is being held across tribal settlements in Nagarahole.
The march, which covered about 70 km on 21 December, entered its 10th day on 30 December. It is an initiative of members of the Nagarahole Adivasi Jamma Pale Hakku Sthapana Samiti (NAJHSS).
Flagged from Thitimathi Aiyrasuli village in Kodagu district, the march passed through the villages of Nalleri forest area and reached Bavali in HD Kote taluk of Mysuru district. NAJHSS members said they cover revenue villages inhabited by members of the Jenu Kuruba, Beta Kuruba, Yerava and Paniya communities.
A meeting of the tribal community is underway on issues related to the Forest Rights Act during the ongoing awareness march through Nagarahole. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
As part of the campaign, gram sabhas are being convened along the route to discuss the provisions of the Forest Rights Act and issues related to its non-implementation in the areas falling under the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
Meetings were held with villagers to discuss delays and denials of recognition of individual and community forest rights under the FRA. NAJHSS officials also said that gram sabhas in at least 18 villages have so far expressed support for the march.
Each day, participants walk seven to 10 km and visit two to three villages where discussions are held with elders, youth and local leaders on the role of gram sabhas under the Forest Rights Act.
Issues raised during the meeting include the protected area declaration process, the status of community forest resource rights in the notified areas of the national park and tiger reserve, and the pending recognition of habitat rights of the Kuruba Jenu community, which is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
The awareness march is scheduled to end on January 1, 2026, covering about 29 villages in the Nagarahole region.
On January 2, 2026, the 20th anniversary of the enactment of FRA 2006, NAJHSS plans to organize a protest at Kerehadi village near Nagarahole Udburu gate in HD Kote taluk.
“We are expecting support from more than 50 villages, including those of Periyapatna taluk,” said JK Thimma and PC Ramu, members of NAJHSS.
Published – 30 Dec 2025 18:57 IST
