Odisha: Tribals and Forest Dwellers of Barkot Block protested demanding recognition of Forest Rights

Barkot: Tribals and Forest Dwellers of 10 Gram Pachayat of Barkot Block participated in a protest rally and dharana demanding recognition of Forest Rights on 28th August 2017. The protest rally cum dharana was organised by Prautist Bloc, India(PBI), a political front of Deogarh district. Dolakar Bhoi, President of PBI, Deogarh District led the protest. Hundreds of tribals and forest dwellers from different villages from different G.Ps i.e.,Keleda, Kadopada, Doara, Kala, Barapada, Rambhei, Dantribahal, Kantapali, Gurasangh and Surwali G.P of Barkot block participated in the rally. The tribals and forest dwellers alleged huge corruption at the Barkot Tahsil office in distributing individual forest rights titles in the area. They also charged the tahasildar and local revenue inspectors for bypassing genuine IFR claimants in the block.
Addressing the gathering Dolakar Bhoi said, “the protest rally and dharana has been organized to protest against inefficiency and lack of commitment at the govt. officials and non- recognition of Individual and community rights despite claims in the block” If their demands are not fulfilled in a stipulated time period, they will launched a massive campaign in the area” he said. During the protest rally they also showed black flags to the Govt. officials. .
The protest rally was started at Bonai Chhak and marched towards the special Grievance Cell of district collector and submitted the memorandum to the district collector. Among others who joined as guest speakers on the occasion are Kedarnath Sahu, RTI Activist and Member of National PCI from Boudh, Hiradhar Sahu, General Secretary, Zilla Jungle, Manch, Deogarh, Purna Chandra Biswal, Social Activist from Bolangir district and Advocate Surendrad Dev from Kochinda.

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