Gram Sabha Manch Kuchai’s Plea to Prime Minister via BDO: Save Hasdev Aarnya Forest in Surguja District, Chhattisgarh
Introduction: In a fervent display of unity and concern for the environment, the Gram Sabha Manch of Kuchai Block in the Saraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand took to the streets on January 27, 2024, to protest the rampant destruction of the Hasdev Aarnya Forest. Led by Jharkhand Jangal Bachao Aandolan leader, Mr. Sohan Lal Kumhar, the members of the Gram Sabha Manch raised their voices against the exploitation of natural resources in the name of development.
The Rally: On the 27th of January, 2024, residents from various villages under the Gram Sabha Manch banner participated in a peaceful rally to the Block office in Kuchai. Carrying hoardings and shouting slogans such as “NA LOKSABHA, NA VIDHAN SABHA, SABSE UNCHA GRAM SABHA” (Neither Parliament nor State Assembly, Gram Sabha is Supreme), they emphasized the importance of local governance in protecting their environment and livelihoods.
Memorandum to the Prime Minister: The culmination of the protest was marked by the submission of a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister, through the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Kuchai. The memorandum highlighted the escalating deforestation in the Hasdev Aarnya Forest despite hopes for change with the new government in Chhattisgarh. The Gram Sabha Manch expressed grave concerns over the environmental repercussions of unchecked deforestation, emphasizing its adverse effects on climate stability and biodiversity.
Key Demands: The memorandum underscored the urgent need to halt the felling of trees and to revoke permissions granted for coal and electricity projects in the area. It emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the indigenous communities (Adiwasis) and the forest, stressing that the destruction of Hasdev Aarnya would not only endanger biodiversity but also jeopardize the traditional way of life for those dependent on forest resources.
Addressing the Rally: Sohan Lal Kumhar, while addressing the gathering, articulated the existential threat posed by the destruction of the Hasdev forest. He condemned the amendments made to the Forest Conservation Act of 2022, alleging that they favored the interests of national and international business magnates over environmental conservation. Bharat Singh Munda echoed these sentiments, warning that failure to halt the degradation of Hasdev Aarnya would result in irreparable damage to the region’s biodiversity and ecosystem.
Conclusion: The protest organized by the Gram Sabha Manch of Kuchai serves as a poignant reminder of the grassroots movements striving to safeguard our natural heritage. It underscores the imperative for policymakers to prioritize sustainable development over short-term economic gains, recognizing that the preservation of forests like Hasdev Aarnya is not just a matter of ecological significance but also a moral obligation towards future generations. As citizens, it is our collective responsibility to heed the calls for environmental justice and act as stewards of the Earth for the betterment of all life forms.