Tribal federation for involvement of local bodies in mining
The Federation of Gakuved, an umbrella organisation of Gawda, Kunbi, Velip and Dhangar communities, has demanded that the State govt not permit transfer, renewal, allocation or auctioning of mining leases at mining-hit tribal villages. The federation has sought involvement of the local village gram sabhas, and related groups, if the government intends to carry out any such activity. “The State govt should not allow transfer, renew, allot, auction or e-auction the mining leases where the tribal villages are affected by mining. The federation demands that if the government desires to carry out any mining activity in the tribal area, then mining leases should be handed over to the village gramsabhas, co-operative societies, etc formed by the tribals and mining affected villagers,” federation’s general secretary Rupesh Velip said at a press conference.
on Monday.
The members alleged that the government authorities, in connivance with the mining lobby for vested interest and to maximise profits, have done immense damage to tribes in the State.
They also demanded that the government restore the damage to agriculture, environment, economy and culture of the tribal villages caused due to rampant mining. The federation has sought a comprehensive study to determine the negative impact of mining on village communities and their commons in the mining region.
“The government should not allow further mining in these areas till the socio economic and environment degradation reports are made public. The government should also drop all charges and withdraw all cases filed against tribal villagers in the mining regions during the conflict of miners and protesting tribal villages,” Velip said.
On the issue of demolition of Dhangar’s houses in Saleli, the federation has demanded that the property be returned. “Two women’s houses were demolished. Government has kept these Dhangar families abandoned. We sense a high level conspiracy and suspect involvement of politicians who want to snatch land of about 10 ha which is being cultivated by Dhangar families. They are in its possession for more than 40 years, but are threatened and being forced to evacuate. We demand urgent rehabilitation and compensation to both families whose houses are demolished,” activist Ramkrishna Zalmi said, adding that the federation is also conducting an investigation into the matter.
