Memorandum to the Chief Minister

On September 17, 2001 the Samiti members of Mori Block (Sanyukta Parvatiya Vikas Samiti) presented a Memorandum to the chief Minister protesting against the setting up of a National Park in the Govind Wild Life Sanctuary in Uttarkashi.

The deceptive nature of the Eco-Development Plan, imposed on forest dwelling communities of the Govind Wild Life Sanctuary in the name of conservation, has created anger and frustration amongst the villagers, as it fails to take account of their basic needs. The Eco-Development Plan, which aimed at snatching the rights of local communities on the forest, does not introduce any viable alternative in terms of employment in the region. Absurd schemes, such as distribution of LPG cylinders to remote snow clad villages, which are cut off for four months of the year, have been incorporated in this plan, without taking into consideration the practical constraints involved in reaching these villages.

"The establishment of the Govind Wild Life Sanctuary, Naitwar, has not only deprived us of our basic rights to collect fuel and fodder, but also hampers the general development of our villages. We shall fight to the end against this anti-people, draconian Wild-Life and Forest Act. The crusade will continue until our rights, which we have enjoyed for generations, are restored", says Surveer Singh Rawat, Chairman of the registered community based organization, SANYUKT PARVATIYA VIKAS SAMITI (SPVS), based in Mori, Uttrakashi.

"The proposed National Park within the boundaries of Govind Wild Life Sanctuary was declared in 1990 vide letter No. 394/14-3-137/88 dated 26th February 1990. But the intimation of the formation was given to the villagers by the then District collector, Uttarkashi vide letter No. 1879/26-6/96-97 dated 26th February 1997 almost 7 years later which is ill-legal and irresponsible action on the part of the authorities. It is a conspiracy against the inhabitants of this area and we oppose the creation of National Park. We will not hesitate to approach the High Court and Supreme Court if our rights are not restored".

SPV Samiti, with the strong support and participation of the entire community of Mori block, acts as a platform to address various issues, from village to regional level, which affect the lives of the local communities. "We have requested the forest officials to provide us with detailed information regarding the Eco-Development Plan and to liberalize restrictions regarding the use of forest resources, however nothing has been done so far. We vehemently oppose and protest against the creation of the Sanctuary and proposed park. We have no option but to fight against the corrupt and unscrupulous forest officers who are the enemy of our forests. Give us the opportunity to apply our knowledge to manage and protect the forest in a fair and sustainable manner, and we will guarantee better results".

The veteran kissan leader, Mr. Bhajan Singh, says that in the absence of alternative employment opportunities, the future of the youth of the region is dim. "We cannot take our sheep inside the forest to graze; we cannot collect the forest produce and the threat of attack by wild animal is ever present. Wild animals often kill our valuable livestock, but we seldom get compensation. If conservation exists at the cost of human life, then we have no option except to throw out the forest establishment from Naitwar. Drastic action will have to be taken if the Government continues to turn a deaf ear to our complaints. We can't tolerate bureaucrats who persistently advocate anti-poor policies in our Uttaranchal, for which we fought so hard. Forests are central to our lives and belong inherently to us. 'Bher' and 'Per' (sheep and trees) are the pillars of our economy and we will not give up until our natural rights are restored."

Bureaucrats with vested interests are trying to deceive the public in the process of demarcation of sanctuary boundaries. Elements of the landscape which are central to the livelihood of mountain communities, such as the high altitude alpine pastures, are being included within the Park and Sanctuary, whereas barren and degraded land, roads and villages are being left at the disposal of local communities. "Why demarcation? What are the people going to gain by it? We don't want any restrictions or limitations; we demand full rights and control over our forest. Today the paharis are being mistreated and humiliated by the Forest Department officials. Is this our reward for the reverence, care and respect we have had for the forest for generations?" is the question being raised by the women of this region.

"We gave a memorandum to the Hon'ble Chief Minister opposing the status of the Sanctuary in our area. If our needs are not met by January 25, 2002, then the people of Mori block will be forced to take drastic action. This demonstration is an open warning to the government that such anti-people laws are not workable or sustainable and will inevitably lead to unhappiness and discontent among the people of the hills".