the goan I network
VALPOI
While the forest department has been in the habit of installing no entry boards in its jurisdiction, the department was in for a surprise on Saturday when angry residents of Karanzol and Kumthol in Sattari taluka hit back by erecting a ‘no entry for forest department’ board in the village.
The ‘no entry for forest department’ board is not meant in a lighter vein, as hundreds of locals have warned forest staff of consequences should they enter the village. This novel protest is the result of growing anger among 300-odd residents in the two villages, after they have accused the forest department of failing to grant them land ownership rights and to cancel the wildlife sanctuary notification.
A group of residents assembled along the main road and erected the ‘no entry for forest department’ board. A blunt message on the board adds: “our ancestors have preserved nature. We are capable of preserving nature and forests.”
A religious ceremony was performed at the site and the board was inaugurated by senior citizens Krishna Gawade, Vasu Gawade and Batu Gawade. Speaking to The Goan, locals claimed they have been facing severe hardships due to the forest department laws and the wildlife management act. “We have been demanding land ownership rights and cancellation of the wildlife sanctuary notification for our villages,” said one resident.
President of Sattari Bhoomiputra Sanghatna Harischandra Gawas criticised the government for failing to grant them land ownership right since Goa’s liberation. “The government has failed to give justice to sons of the soil in Sattari taluka. Since they have been deprived of land ownership rights, residents face severe problems in availing government schemes,” said Gawas.
“Successive governments after liberation have taken advantage of the people of Sattari, but this will not be tolerated in the future. This no entry board for the forest department is just the start of our protest. Further steps will be taken to push for our demands,” warned Gawas.
Another activist, Ranjit Rane, sought to know how the Karanzol temple had been included in the wildlife jurisdiction when it was built over a hundred years ago, while the wildlife notification was issued in 1999. Rane demanded that the State government take a serious look in the matter and safeguard the interests of locals.
