In Sanphurla village located in Junagarh Tehsil of Kalahandi district, over 165 acres of land has been recognised under the Community Forest Rights claimed by the Gram Sabha. Unlike earlier wherein 1.5% of NREGA funds were transferred to the state forest department for afforestation programmes, the MGNREGA being a demand-driven scheme required for the consent of Gram Sabha before any form of intervention by the forest department. Yet, in Sanphurla village the forest department took up plantation programme and fenced the land thereafter without Gram Sabha's consent. The prohibition on collection of Non-Timber Forest Products has adversely affected the livelihoods of the locals and the food security against which the women in the village are raising their voices. Though no petition has been filed yet, the Gram Sabha is preparing to tackle the issue. Under MGNREGA, the jobs remain impermanent as it only addresses immediate demands but the access to forest lands and collection of NTFPs has been a permanent source of income and food for the village residents. The plantation was taken up under MGNREGA funds and subsequent restrictions on access and collection thus, constitutes a threat to the sustained lifestyles of the village residents.
Demand/Contention of the Affected Community
Region Classification
Type of Land
Common
Type of Common Land
Forest
Has the Conflict Ended?
When did it end?
Why did the conflict end?
Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict
Forest Rights Act of 2006
Legislations/Policies Involved
Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute
What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community? What was the decision of the concerned government department?
Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:
Non-implementation / violation of the FRA
Legal Status:
Status of Case In Court
Whether any adjudicatory body was approached
Name of the adjudicatory body
Name(s) of the Court(s)
Case Number
Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:
Whether criminal law was used against protestors
Official name of the criminal law. Did the case reach trial?
Reported Details of the Violation:
Date of Violation
Location of Violation
Nature of Protest
Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:
Forest Department of Odisha
PSUs Involved in the Conflict:
Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?
Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached
Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:
Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?
Name, Designation and Comment of Corporate Authorities Approached
Other Parties Involved in the Conflict:
Documented By
Sanghamitra DubeyReviewed By
Sanghamitra DubeyUpdated By
Sanghamitra DubeyEdited By
Sanghamitra DubeyLand Conflict Watch
