Under the banner of Thampu, a non-governmental organization dedicated to tribal education, development, and research in Attappady, a group of tribal leaders has called on the government and tribal communities to effectively utilize the Community Forest Rights (CFR) provision under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). This, they believe, is essential to mitigate the recurring natural disasters in Kerala.
Led by Thampu chairman Rajendra Prasad, the delegation recently met O.R. Kelu, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, to discuss the effective implementation of the FRA. The delegation emphasized the need to revoke the possession documents for the five to ten cents of land distributed in Wayanad during 2008-2010 under the FRA and to accept fresh applications. They highlighted the importance of prioritizing CFR in Wayanad, a region that experienced one of its most devastating landslides on July 30.
“The plight of Wayanad’s people, especially its tribal population, is directly linked to the widespread depletion of forest land, hill levelling, and relentless rainfall,” the memorandum noted. Mr. Prasad added that forest cover in Wayanad’s Vaithiri taluk has dwindled to 30%. “The implementation of community forest rights, particularly in tribal zones, is the only viable solution to combat this deforestation. Protecting and conserving forest lands is critical to addressing the survival challenges faced by tribal communities,” he stated.
Accompanying Mr. Prasad were K.A. Ramu, convener of the FRA protection committee; Lakshmi Unnikrishnan, a tribal women’s collective leader from Attappady; and K. Panali, a young Kurumba tribal leader. They criticized the current process of CFR sketch preparation, which is being handled by forest officials in many areas. Instead, they argued, the Forest Rights Committees (FRCs) should be empowered to take charge of this process.
“FRCs need to be more actively involved across the state,” they said. “Currently, CFRs are sanctioned without even requiring an application in some areas, leaving them vulnerable to legal challenges and eventual cancellation. This effectively denies tribespeople their rights.”
Lakshmi Unnikrishnan stressed the need for better utilization of CFR provisions to strengthen the Forest Rights Act. “The government should launch a comprehensive campaign to educate and empower communities about CFR. This would help uplift tribal communities from poverty,” she added.
In response, Minister Kelu reportedly assured the delegation that the government would work towards implementing their demands.
