Seventeen villages in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh, nestled within the Hasdeo Aranya Forest, have been granted Community Forest Management (CFM) rights, a significant step under the Forest Rights Act 2006. This empowerment allows them to safeguard, nurture, and oversee their forests, which is crucial for sustainable utilization.
These villages, encompassing areas slated for nine coal blocks, including Paturia and Gidhmudi, have long awaited this recognition. Ajeet Vasant, the district collector of Korba, emphasized the villagers’ newfound authority to protect, regenerate, and sustainably manage their community forest resources.
Despite initial claims filed over a decade ago, the communities were previously denied their rights due to the looming presence of coal mines. Alok Shukla, convenor of the Chhattisgarh Bachaao Andolan, highlighted the villagers’ arduous journey, including a 300-kilometre padayatra to Raipur in 2021, advocating for forest preservation, often referred to as the “Lungs of Chhattisgarh.”
The region was eventually integrated into the Lemru Elephant Reserve through persistent resistance and advocacy, spanning 1,995 square kilometres. This designation reversed the looming threat of coal mining, prompting the withdrawal of nine coal blocks and the cancellation of two allocated blocks.
With CFM rights granted, these villages are now tasked with forming their Community Forest Management Committees (CFMCs) to oversee conservation efforts. These committees will develop comprehensive forest rejuvenation and biodiversity management plans, with allocated budgets to support their endeavours.
This significant milestone signifies a triumph for grassroots activism and underscores the importance of community-driven conservation efforts in safeguarding vital ecosystems.
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