15 Years of Forest Rights
Seraikela: The village of Raysindri in Kuchai block celebrated a major milestone today, observing the 15th Foundation Day of its traditional Forest Rights Pathalgadi. The event, organized by the Community Forest Resource Management Committee, highlighted how indigenous management has successfully restored local biodiversity.
A Model for Community Conservation
Raysindri has emerged as a beacon for the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. According to Sohan Lal Kumhar, leader of the Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Movement, the village’s journey toward legal recognition reached two major milestones:
- 2010: 145 forest dwellers received individual rights over 762.71 acres.
- 2020: The community secured rights over a massive 3,406.45 acres.
These legal protections have allowed villagers to revive and manage the forest, transforming the area into a model of ecological restoration.
MP Kali Charan Munda: “Forests Protect All Living Beings”
Khunti MP Kali Charan Munda joined the rituals performed by local Pahans at the Pathalgadi site. Addressing the gathering, he praised the villagers for significantly increasing forest density through sheer community effort.
“Forests are essential for ecological balance. If they survive, all living beings remain protected,” Munda stated. He urged for the faster disposal of pending forest claims and emphasized that conservation is a debt owed to future generations.
MLA Dashrath Gagrai: Tribal Identity is Inseparable from Nature
Kharsawan MLA Dashrath Gagrai reinforced the link between tribal existence and the forest. He noted that forest produce remains the backbone of local livelihoods and promised to take the village’s development issues directly to the State Assembly.
Gagrai also assured residents that basic facilities would be upgraded across all 15 hamlets of Raysindri.
Celebration of Ritual and Resolve
The day began with traditional prayers led by Pahan Sagar Munda and Pandu Munda and concluded with vibrant cultural programs. Representatives from all 15 hamlets took a collective pledge to continue their vigilance over the land and its biodiversity.
