Date:04/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/04/stories/2008040455800800.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Gothikoyas’ fate hangs in the balance

D. Chandra Bhaskar Rao

KHAMMAM: The ethnic groups that have migrated from the strife-torn South Bastar represent an unusual case of forest tribe in Andhra Pradesh. Their numbers are swelling with many more on their way to the forest pockets. But so far as the implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, is concerned, their fate hangs in the balance. Their relocation seems to be depriving them of the scope for recognition and forest rights in both Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The Gothikoyas are not the listed tribe of the State. They cannot be vested with the rights on forestland that has been was in their occupation for long.They are among the listed STs of Chhattisgarh and their claim over the forests that they occupied before December 13, 2005, was genuine and it needs to be duly considered.

Being away from their homes for many years and not in a position to go back, they are not in a position to stake their claim. The migrant Gothikoyas make a considerable presence in 45 habitations in Bhadrachalam and Palvancha divisions. Their population will be over 15,000. The administration in Khammam has made it clear that they will not merit any consideration under the Forest Rights Act.