Former Bhavanisagar MLA condemns denial of police permission for protest
Former MLA P.L. Sundaram has criticized the Forest Department for denying permission for a protest regarding tribal land rights in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. He argues that the department is obstructing basic amenities for tribal villages in violation of the Forest Rights Act.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the ongoing tension between wildlife conservation efforts and the rights of indigenous communities to access basic infrastructure.
Former Bhavanisagar MLA P.L. Sundaram on Friday (July 17) alleged that the Forest Department was violating the Forest Rights Act (FRA-2006) by refusing to permit the diversion of forest land for basic amenities in tribal villages.
He criticised the denial of police permission for a protest planned at Mavanatham village on July 19.
Mr. Sundaram said in a release that the Tamil Nadu Tribal People Association had proposed the protest at Mavanatham village in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) to condemn the Forest Department’s refusal to divert forest land for constructing a community welfare hall.
He alleged that instead of following the provisions of the FRA, STR officials insisted that the proposal be processed through the PARIVESH portal and obtain clearance from the National Board for Wildlife.
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