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 The tribal
community is totally ignorant towards their customary rights over
forests (Khuntkatti Rights). As a result they are unable to formulate
any concrete strategy for restoration or revival of their rights. The
forest department of the state has claimed many villages as vested
under its authority, thus claiming ownership rights over Khuntkatti
forests. The community, however, was unable to mobilize to get united
and fight against such intentions. It was at this juncture that
Alternative for India Development (AID) intervened to create platform
for the various mundas in the region so that they could build upon
solidarity and work out on priority basis the issues which are
affecting them.
Numerous training, awareness generations, mobilization and sense of
ownership was developed among the tribes as a part of capacity build
up activity. It started showing result when hitherto, voiceless Mundas
without any direction, started expressing concern regarding their
rights and entitlements.
AID facilitated in strengthening the gram sabhas of numerous villages
that were getting weak in recent years. The first step was formation
of youth groups and self help groups for forest protection and
promotion as a source of their economic livelihood. A strong gram
sabha resulted in formation of local forest protection committees to
protect forest.
AID has been concentrating on building platform, giving the tribal,
legal awareness education on issues related to CNT act and other
forest related acts. Getting aware about the problems, the Mundas
decided to take upon the issues themselves.
A series of training and workshops in Arki resulted in creating
leaders among the voiceless tribals. It culminated in constituting of
Khuntkatti Raksha Manch by the community itself.
See Case Study : Peopl's rising -
Taking development in their hand |
