Madia-Gond tribals in Maharashtra are fighting an oppressive state and high-handed mining companies to save their god and source of livelihood — the forests, reports Prateek Goyal. Laws passed by Parliament seem to have no resonance here.
The road leading to Surjagadh mountain ranges in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra passes through lush green forests of Dandkaranya. The smooth road winding through wilderness is suddenly broken by barbed wires and concrete camp by on the left side. The presence of police and CRPF is justified by the authorities as preventive mechanism for Naxalism. Scratch the surface a little and villagers tell you that anti-Naxalism is just a garb under which the state is supporting powerful people with deep pockets to take away the tribals’ most sacred treasure, their forest.
“Kaun ho aur kidhar jaa rahe ho? Gaadi ka number kya hai?” is the routine question posed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans or Maharashtra state policemen to passersby on the road going towards Surjagad mountain range. A person going to or coming out from villages near Surjagad is subjected to mandatory checking by joint fortified camps of CRPF and Maharashtra police in village Hedri of Etapalli tehsil of this Naxal-affected region of Dandakaranya forest.
However, some eight months ago there was no such camp in Hedri. As per the villagers,
Naxalites are not the reason behind establishment of the camps. The reason behind heavy security in the area around Surjagad mountain ranges is allegedly to facilitate iron ore mining in this area, Bande and Damkodwadavi for private companies like Llyods Metal and Energy and JSW Ispat.
The mining companies have allegedly not taken permission from Gram Sabhas for their project, which is mandatory before starting mining in any area. Madia-Gond tribals in the area are opposing mining projects as theirs is a forest-based community and their livelihoods depend on it. This opposition has invited unnecessary harassment from police, which is trying to coerce them into submission.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Did Ratan Tata Feel Compelled To Take Charge Again?
Did Cyrus Mistry fall victim to an ossified corporate culture or did he violate Tata Sons’ ethos and culture? MG BanGa tells the story so far.
Misguided Youths Or Trained Terrorists?
As part of a dangerous trend emerging across the world, homegrown ISIL sympathisers are willing and attempting to carry out deadly terror attacks without any comprehensive support system.
Indian Railways: Living In Dreams
Indian Railways is changing track, giving up its separate Budget and experimenting with surge pricing on three popular trains. That leaves the behemoth with no funds to replace ageing assets and encourage further investments.
Priyanka Gandhi Agreed To Play Bigger Role In UP
Further delay in decision making could be detrimental to the party’s goal to rejuvenate its prospects in the State Assembly elections.
Mission 2019: Banega Swachh India?
Two years ago, Modi kicked off a cleanliness drive in a spectacular way. Showing the contrast between world cities and Gurgaon, MG BANGA suggests ways in which the mission can be accomplished by 2019.
The Goodwill Enjoyed By Mehabooba Mufti Has Been Erased!
Mehbooba Mufti risks losing her popularity and irking her party ranks by using New Delhi’s rulebook to deal with the unrest in Kashmir.
Is China's Support To Pakistan, Big Threat To India?
New Delhi needs to be cautious as in Pakistan’s scheme of things, strategic ties with China can serve as a powerful weapon to deal with adversaries like India.
Panama Papers: Nawaz Sharif'S Troubles Escalate
After his name surfaced in the Panama paper leak following several other charges of money laundering filed against him, there is pressure on Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif to resign.
This Potus Will Make The World Go Bust
The man who believes global warming is a hoax and has a short attention span will now preside over the affairs not just of the United States but of the whole world. A daunting prospect.
Reel-Life Bohemians, Real-Life Hyprocrites
ADHM vs Palm Grove Heights: In cinematic life, two strangers Ranbir and Anushka meet in a pub in London and go on a kissing spree while in actual life back in India, a woman from Barcelona was evicted from her male friend’s home in Gurugram. Is cinema really a mirror of society?
