SANGUEM: Deputy Collector Sanguem Ajay Gaude has assured the tribal villagers from Sanguem residing in Netravali to dispose their cases under the Forest Rights Act 2006.
The tribals, residing with a fixed habitation within the precincts of Netravali Wild Sanctuary,will find a solution to the cases pending for disposal since the implementation of the Act in the State in 2012.
Gaude, who is also empowered as Collector for Netravali Wild Life Sanctuary, got special permission from the Collector South Goa and the Education Department to conduct special sessions for the disposal of cases under Forest Right Act at Government High School Netravali for the benefit of the villagers who otherwise had to travel long distances to reach the Office of Deputy Collector Sanguem.
Of the over 1220 cases, around 500 cases are already reported to have been disposed off and the remaining cases which particularly pertain to Netravali Wild Life Sanctuary are on the verge of getting disposed soon.
Gaude informed that the majority cases pertainto tribal villagers who have been residing in forest areas and also undertook agricultural plantation in the areas for last over 50 to 60 years. There are incidences of some families in occupation of agricultural lands within the precincts of Netravali Life for over 100 years, informed Gaude.
While claiming that the proceedings are at present going on in the right directions, Gaude informed that he has directed the Forest Department to produce their plan with respect to Netravali Life Sanctuary. The concerned villagers have already produced relevant documents from their end and the order with respect to majority of the pending cases which amount to around 500 will be pronounced soon, informed Gaude.
“Most of these cases were kept pending for quite a long time after the order passed by the Mazalkar Committee in the matters pertaining to Forest Rights Claim was set aside by the Government,” said Gaude.
“The opening of special Court in the village has helped the villagers to a large extent and the villagers are now seen attending the hearings without fail,” informed Gaude.
