Nuapada: Over 2,000 forest dwellers of Sunabeda sanctuary in the district Wednesday got together protesting the apathetic attitude of the administration and gheraoed the district collector demanding basic facilities.
The inhabitants of the Maoist corridor gave an ultimatum to the administration, saying they would not back the government in its anti-Maoist operation if it continues its indifference towards their welfare.
District collector Md Sidiqque Alam listened to their plight and assured them of taking measures to solve their issues.
The tribals demanded immediate supply of power to the sanctuary. They said due to the efforts of the then collector, utility poles were installed and supply wires fixed in 2014. However, power has not been supplied yet.
They have been deprived of healthcare facility due to poor road connectivity. They have to walk 30 km inside dense forests to avail healthcare service.
Even benefits of various poverty alleviation schemes of the government elude them. Over 300 families are deprived of ration cards under the National Food Security Act. Most of them have to remain half-starved failing to get subsidised rice.
While the Chhattisgarh government has accorded tribal status to Paharia community, the community has been deprived of several benefits as the Orissa government has not accorded the status to it even though they have been dwelling in forests for centuries.
The residents are deprived of getting land pattas under the government’s Forest Rights Act.
They demanded that the administration set up residential schools in the sanctuary to provide quality education to their children.
Coming down heavily on the forest department officials, the residents said they have been constantly harassing them with one plea or the other that badly affect their livelihood.
Alam assured them of taking up the matter of power supply with the state government and take measures to concede their demands. He also added that he would visit Sunabeda and take a stock of the situation. Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra urged them to cooperate with the administration to deliver basic amenities.
Political leaders cutting across party lines supported the cause of the agitators.
The residents travelled 70 km through the dense forest to reach the district headquarters town here. They took out a rally and congregated outside the Collectorate to block the National Highway No-353. They held a protest meeting chanting slogans against the failure of the district administration and the state government to ensure development in tribal areas to combat Maoist menace.
PNN
