SHOOLPANESHWAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Dec. 31, 2020

Tribal communities have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the Centre’s notification classifying 121 villages around the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Narmada district as eco-sensitive zones.

About:

Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Gujarat state, located in the western Satpura Range south of the Narmada River.
It shares a common boundary with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Why are tribal communities protesting against the notification?

Firstly, as per the provisions of the notification, land falling in the eco-sensitive zone cannot be transferred for non-agricultural use for commercial, industrial or residential purposes. Any land that needs to be transferred can be done so only after approval from the state government.
Second, a process has been initiated to include the state government as the co-owner of the land in the 121 villages.
Third, they feel that it could dilute the “power” vested with villagers under the Panchayat (Extension of Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, implemented in areas notified under Schedule V of the Constitution.

Source : Indian Express