New Agasthyamalai eviction orders continue to silence Forest Rights Act
The Forest Department has issued eviction notices to thousands of households in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve following a Supreme Court directive. Critics argue this action undermines the Forest Rights Act, which was designed to protect the land rights of forest-dwelling communities.
Why it matters
The conflict between conservation efforts and the rights of indigenous forest dwellers remains a significant legal and human rights issue in India.
Angry outbursts and tears of desperation swept the hillsides in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR), particularly in Theni district. In the last few weeks, the Forest Department has issued eviction notices to thousands of households on the Tamil Nadu side alleging they had encroached on forest land.
Based on the findings and recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), the Supreme Court directed a time-bound encroachment eviction plan, rehabilitation where applicable, legal action against willful violators, and post-eviction ecological restoration. It also imposed additional penalties against 118 government servants found to be encroachers, and ordered the dismantling of all structures, utilities, logistical facilities, etc. within encroached forest areas. Finally, the Bench prohibited the diversion of forest land or the start of new non-forest activities within the ABR until all encroachments had been removed.
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