Date:09/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/09/stories/2008080951190300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Tribals for implementation of Forest Rights Act

Staff Reporter

Led by CPI(M) activists, they protest at Collector’s office
Submit a memorandum to Joint Collector Ramshankar Nayak

Sangareddy: A large number of tribals led by Medak unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) organised a dharna in front of the Collector’s office here on Friday and demanded implementation of the Forest Rights Act in true spirit.

They submitted a memorandum to Joint Collector Ramshankar Nayak in which they alleged political interference in the constitution of village-level forest rights committees.

Party leaders pointed out that many of these committees are refusing applications of the of the real forest dwellers.

The tribals explained to the Joint Collector that the committees which are supposed to organise surveys to confirm the rights of dwellers, have not taken up the work so far.

They wanted to know how the district administration could complete the work by August 15, the deadline for all claims as set by the State Government. The tribals demanded drinking water, proper schooling and housing.

Assuring the agitated tribals, the Joint Collector said that the deadline for all claims would be extended to September month-end.