Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren has launched a sharp attack on the state government, accusing it of forcibly acquiring over 830 acres of tribal agricultural land in the Kolhan division. He claims the land is being given to Hindalco Industries as compensation for forest land used for mining in a different region, a move he says sidelines tribal self-governance and endangers local livelihoods.
Land Transfer Details and Allegations of Bypass
Addressing the media at his Ranchi residence, Champai Soren detailed the sequence of decisions. He stated that on September 24, the state cabinet permanently allocated 271.92 acres of non-forest land in Udajo, West Singhbhum, to Hindalco for afforestation. This was followed by a further approval on December 23 for transferring an additional 559 acres.
This second tranche includes land in Mouza Bokna (216.78 acres), Jeteya, Dumrjova, and Bambasai (284.89 acres), and Nimdih (57.50 acres). Official records indicate this land grant is for afforestation to compensate for forest land diverted for mining in the Chakla coal block of Palamu division.
"Our purpose is not to oppose afforestation, but our question is that when the coal mine is damaging the environment in Palamu division, why is compensation not being done there?" Soren questioned. He argued that taking tribal land in a far-off corner of the state sets a dangerous precedent: "Meaning, if it’s tribal area land, just snatch it, what difference does it make?"
Livelihood Threats and Governance Concerns
The BJP MLA emphasized that the identified land is not barren. Locals have been using it for farming and cattle grazing for generations. He warned that transferring this land to a corporate entity for tree plantations would directly threaten their source of income and food.
"They fear that if this land is snatched, their livelihood will be affected. Who will compensate for that?" he asked. Soren accused the government of acting without a proper displacement and rehabilitation policy. He also raised a critical procedural flaw, highlighting that the decision appears to have bypassed the mandatory consent of the Gram Sabha (village council), a cornerstone of the Manki-Munda customary tribal governance system.
"The state govt should explain what is the reason for snatching this land... When permission has not been taken from the Gram Sabha for this, then how was this decision taken?" he demanded.
Parallel Issue: Saranda Forest Sanctuary Declaration
Champai Soren also criticized a separate government move concerning the ecologically sensitive Saranda forest area. He said the state has decided to create a wildlife sanctuary there without consulting the local tribal population.
While supporting wildlife protection, he stressed the need to also consider the area's human inhabitants. "What about the tribals living there? What plan do you have for them? Who gave you the right to displace them?" he asked.
He noted that the Saranda forest area houses 50 revenue villages and 10 forest villages, with a population exceeding 75,000 people. Furthermore, the forest contains sacred tribal sites like Sarna, Deshauli, Sasandiri, and Masna, which are vital for their cultural and social identity.
"Basically, minor forest produce and herbs obtained from the forest are the main basis of livelihood for tribal society," Soren explained. He concluded that declaring the area a sanctuary while "completely ignoring the interests of us tribals, indigenous people, and primitive tribal groups cannot be justified in any way."
When contacted for a response, JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that the party would study Champai Soren's allegations before commenting on the matter.
