Bhumi Bandhu Sansthan Launches Awareness Campaign on Forest Rights Act in 10 Villages of Wadrafnagar Block, Balrampur District Balrampur (Chhattisgarh), Bhumi Bandhu Organization has initiated an extensive awareness campaign on the Forest Rights Act (FRA 2006) in 10-gram panchayats of Wadrafnagar Block in Balrampur district.
This campaign was primarily aimed at educating tribal and forest-dwelling communities about their rights, enabling them to claim ownership of their traditional forest resources while ensuring sustainable management of these natural assets. The 10 gram panchayats where this campaign was carried out include Pendri, Iknara, Kolhuva, Lodhi, Madhna, Kaknesa, Kotrahi, Rajkheta, Gurhutti, and Madanpur.
In these villages, residents were provided with comprehensive information on the Forest Rights Act, particularly focusing on how they can claim rights over their traditional forests and lands under the law.
Key Activities of the Forest Rights of Tribal Communities Campaign:
1. Training of Forest Rights Committees: Bhumi Bandhu Organization formed Forest Rights Committees in various villages of Wadrafnagar Block and provided detailed training on the Forest Rights Act 2006. The training was aimed at community leaders, gram panchayat members, and other key local figures, equipping them with the knowledge to guide their communities on how to claim their forest rights and navigate the application process.
2. Awareness Campaign for Strengthening Gram Sabhas: The organization conducted awareness programs aimed at strengthening the role of the Gram Sabha. Through these programs, villagers were educated about how they can collectively claim rights over their forest resources through the Forest Rights Committees. The focus was on explaining how united action by the Gram Sabha could help them secure their traditional forest resources and obtain legal recognition.
3. Filling of Individual Claim Forms: During the campaign, Bhumi Bandhu Organization helped **600 individuals** fill out claim forms and submit them to the Block Committee. These forms were filled by families seeking legal recognition of their rights over traditional forest lands. The organization assisted the families in gathering the necessary documentation and ensured the correct submission of the forms.
4. Filling of Community Claim Forms: In addition, “2 community claim forms” were filled, representing the collective rights of the entire community over shared resources such as forests, water, and land. These claims were essential for securing collective areas that were used by the entire village but were not previously legally protected.
5. Training of 10,000 Tribal Community Members on Forest Rights: Bhumi Bandhu Organization conducted training sessions for “10,000 tribal community members ‘ on their rights under the Forest Rights Act. The training covered the process of claiming rights over traditional lands, forests, and water resources, as well as how to document and submit the necessary evidence to support their claims.
Important Statement from Bhumi Bandhu Officials
Sushri Savita Rath, the secretary of the Bhumi Bandhu Organization, stated, Our primary goal is to raise awareness among tribal and forest-dwelling communities about their rights under the Forest Rights Act 2006. This Act can significantly change their lives by granting them ownership of their forests and lands. It will not only strengthen their socio-economic status but also help preserve their cultural identity.” He further added, “Through this campaign, we aim to ensure that no tribal family is left behind in claiming their rightful forest resources. We are hopeful that the 10 villages in Wadrafnagar Block will actively participate in this process and assert their rights.”
Response from Gram Panchayats
The response from the Gram Panchayats was overwhelmingly positive. Lakhraj Khursenga, the Sarpanch of Pendari Panchayat, remarked, “Many people in our village were unaware of the Forest Rights Act. Through this campaign by the Bhumi Bandhu Organization, we are learning a lot. We now understand how to fight for our rights and how to access government schemes effectively.” the Sarpanch of Gurhutti Panchayat, said, “Through this campaign, we have learned how to claim our rights over forest resources. We now understand the process of filing applications, and we will soon begin implementing it. This has given our village a new sense of hope.”
Organization’s Contribution and Future Plans
According to the Bhumi Bandhu Organization, these initiatives have significantly empowered the tribal communities and Forest Rights Committees in the Wadrafnagar Block. The communities are now better informed about their rights and have received guidance on how to legally secure these rights. The organization believes that this awareness and training will allow these communities to secure their traditional resources and improve their overall quality of life.
Bhumi Bandhu also announced plans to provide further assistance to accelerate the application process for forest rights. This includes helping with document preparation, filling out claim forms, and coordinating with relevant authorities. This campaign could mark a turning point for the tribal and forest-dwelling communities in Wadrafnagar Block. If these communities successfully claim their rights, it will not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to the conservation of the region’s forests and other natural resources. The Bhumi Bandhu initiative is a significant step toward empowering the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh, ensuring they gain legal recognition of their rights and a more sustainable future.
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