The Tamil Nadu Federation for Pastoral Peoples Sangam (TFPPS) submitted a petition to Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu on Saturday, demanding formal recognition of the rights of pastoral communities to graze their traditional livestock in forest areas.
Petition highlights lack of formal recognition
TFPPS President C. Rajiv Gandhi stated that the Directorate of Tribal Welfare is the primary agency responsible for enforcing the law on forest grazing rights. However, he noted that not a single pastoral community in Tamil Nadu has been granted formal recognition or title for forest grazing rights to date.
In the petition, Gandhi urged the government to immediately review all forest rights cases to prevent miscarriage of justice. He warned that approximately 5,000 families are facing eviction in the coming days in the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Kanyakumari forest division, and Meghamalai areas.
Impact on vulnerable communities
The eviction threat underscores the precarious situation of pastoral communities who rely on forest grazing for their livelihoods. The TFPPS emphasized that without formal recognition, these communities remain vulnerable to displacement and loss of traditional practices.
