1 hr ago
Adivasis March to Raj Bhavan Seeking Forest Rights and Amenities
Hundreds of Adivasi people from areas near Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Yeoor started a protest march.
They are walking 38 kilometres to Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
They want official recognition of their rights to use forest land.
They also want their villages to receive clean water, electricity, roads, schools and healthcare.
They say people should not be forced off their land for projects.
They want Gram Sabhas to approve development work in their areas.
The protesters oppose a plan for developing the national park’s Eco-sensitive Zone.
They fear the plan could allow construction that harms Mumbai’s green areas.
They also want the proposed privatisation of 490 tribal Ashram Schools to be cancelled.
Hundreds of Adivasis from Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Yeoor began a 38-kilometre march to Raj Bhavan.
The march, led by Adivasi Ekta Parishad, travelled via the Western Express Highway toward south Mumbai.
Protesters are demanding implementation of the Forest Rights Act and Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act.
They seek protection from evictions, land acquisition and infrastructure projects without Gram Sabha consent.
The protesters also want basic amenities, oppose Ashram School privatisation and reject the proposed SGNP Eco-sensitive Zone master plan.
- Who
- Hundreds of Adivasis from Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Yeoor, led by Adivasi Ekta Parishad.
- What
- A 38-kilometre protest march seeking forest rights, protection from displacement, basic amenities and changes to the SGNP Eco-sensitive Zone plan.
- Where
- The march began at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park gate and is travelling via the Western Express Highway to Raj Bhavan in Walkeshwar, south Mumbai.
- When
- The march began on a Thursday; protesters planned to continue through Friday and reach Raj Bhavan on September 13.
- Why
- The protesters are demanding implementation of forest-rights laws, safeguards against evictions and land acquisition, essential services in tribal settlements, and protection of the Eco-sensitive Zone from harmful development.
Key facts
- Organiser
- Adivasi Ekta Parishad
- Starting point
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park gate
- Destination
- Raj Bhavan, Walkeshwar Road, south Mumbai
- March distance
- 38 kilometres
- Key laws cited
- Forest Rights Act, 2006, and Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
- Basic services sought
- Clean drinking water, electricity, all-weather roads, schools and healthcare
- Education demand
- Withdrawal of the proposed privatisation of 490 tribal Ashram Schools
Quotes
An unnamed protest participant
A participant in the Adivasi march
“Protesters tussled with police and breached barricades at several points as they moved along the Western Express Highway. The march reached Malad by evening, where protesters were once again stopped by police barricades.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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