Tribal communities in several villages in Nagarahole have passed resolutions opposing relocation of forest-dwelling communities under the pretext of rehabilitation.
They have also opposed research or commercial activity without their consent and reiterated that any initiative on their ‘’traditional lands’’ should be undertaken only with the prior approval of the gram sabhas as mandated by law.
These and other resolutions were passed during the ongoing awareness march on the implementation of provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006. It is being held across tribal hamlets in Nagarahole.
The march, which began on December 21 and has covered about 70 km, entered its 10th day on December 30. It is an initiative of the members of Nagarahole Adivasi Jamma Paale Hakku Sthapana Samiti (NAJHSS).
Flagged off from Thitimathi Aiyrasuli village in Kodagu district, the march traversed through the villages of Nalleri forest region and reached Bavali in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district. NAJHSS members said they covered revenue villages inhabited by members of the Jenu Kuruba, Beta Kuruba, Yerava and Paniya communities.
As part of the campaign, gram sabhas are being convened along the route to discuss provisions of the Forest Rights Act and issues related to its non-implementation in areas falling within the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
Meetings have been held with villagers, who discussed delays and rejections in the recognition of individual and community forest rights under the FRA. NAJHSS representatives also stated that gram sabhas in at least 18 villages have expressed support for the march so far.
Each day, participants walk seven to 10 km and visit two to three villages, where discussions are held with elders, youth and local leaders on the role of gram sabhas under the Forest Rights Act.
Issues raised during the meetings include the process followed in declaring protected areas, the status of community forest resource rights in notified national park and tiger reserve areas, and the pending recognition of habitat rights of the jenu kuruba community, which is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
The awareness march is scheduled to conclude on January 1, 2026, by when it will have covered about 29 villages in the Nagarahole region.
On January 2, 2026, which marks the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the FRA 2006, NAJHSS plans to organise a protest at Kerehadi village near the Nagarahole Udburu Gate in H.D. Kote taluk.
‘We expect support from over 50 villages, including those from Periyapatna taluk,’’ said J.K. Thimma and P.C. Ramu, members of NAJHSS.
Curated by James Chen
