Andhra Pradesh High Court Mandates Online Publication of Tribal Village Boundaries
The Andhra Pradesh High Court issued a significant directive on Wednesday, ordering the state government to publish the names and boundaries of tribal villages in the erstwhile districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, and East Godavari on the official website of the tribal welfare department. This move aims to address long-standing issues of encroachment and illegal activities in these areas.
Court's Directives and Timeline
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Challa Gunaranjan issued this order while considering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Venkata Sivaram of the Integrated Tribal Development Society. The court directed the state government to take all necessary measures to upload the details online promptly. Additionally, the government has been instructed to file a comprehensive counter-affidavit with all relevant information within a strict timeline of six weeks.
Petitioner's Concerns and Allegations
During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioner, CH Srinivas Reddy, presented critical data to the High Court. He informed the court that there are as many as 878 revenue villages spread across 595 grama panchayats in the four districts. However, due to the lack of clearly defined boundaries for these villages, non-tribal individuals have been encroaching into scheduled areas, illegally occupying fertile lands that are legally reserved for the tribal population.
Reddy further highlighted that rampant illegal mining activities are ongoing in these regions, exacerbating the plight of tribal communities. He argued that this encroachment and illegal exploitation not only violate land rights but also deprive tribal people of access to essential welfare schemes designed for their benefit. The absence of clear demarcation has created a legal vacuum, allowing such violations to persist unchecked.
Broader Implications and Government Accountability
The High Court's directive underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in tribal welfare administration. By mandating the online publication of village boundaries, the court seeks to empower tribal communities and prevent further encroachments. This step is expected to facilitate better enforcement of land laws and ensure that welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries without obstruction.
The court has also directed the state government to submit all pertinent details related to this matter, emphasizing the importance of timely compliance. This ruling could set a precedent for similar cases across the country, promoting the protection of tribal rights and resources through digital transparency and legal oversight.
