Uttarkashi: Residents of 42 villages in the Mori development block of Uttarakhand‘s Uttarkashi district are seeking relief from restrictions associated with the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, saying these have affected their access to traditional forest rights and the development of essential infrastructure.
The villages, spread across five remote pattis, continue to face difficulties related to roads, drinking water and mobile connectivity. Residents have also raised concerns about obtaining forest produce and timber traditionally used for housing and other daily requirements.
The issue dates back to 1955, when 957.96 hectares of land in the area were included in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. Residents say that, even after several decades, restrictions associated with the protected area continue to affect their customary rights and local development activities.
957.96 Hectares Included in Sanctuary in 1955
According to the reports, the land included in the sanctuary in 1955 covered areas under five pattis of Mori block:
- Badasu
- Panchgai
- Adhod
- Fateh Parvat
- Singtur
The inclusion of this land in the protected area has been a longstanding concern for residents, who say they face difficulties exercising their traditional hak-hakook (customary forest rights).
Local residents said villagers face problems obtaining free-grant and PD timber for house construction and other requirements. They also alleged that forest-related restrictions have affected development work in the region.
Jal Jeevan Mission Projects, Roads and Bridges Await Progress
Residents have raised concerns over several infrastructure projects that remain incomplete or delayed in the remote villages.
The key issues highlighted include:
- Drinking water: Several projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission have reportedly not been completed.
- Road connectivity: Construction of roads in the area has been affected by difficulties in securing the required land permissions.
- Bridges: Residents say bridge construction projects have also remained pending.
- Mobile and internet services: BSNL has reportedly not received permission to lay cables required to improve communication connectivity in the area.
Residents argue that the difficulties in obtaining permissions for land use and infrastructure development have added to the challenges of living in these remote settlements.
Residents Say 2014 Announcement Did Not Resolve Their Concerns
Villagers said an announcement by the then Chief Minister in 2014 was followed by a notification concerning the issue. However, they claim that this did not bring the relief they had expected.
They have repeatedly approached the state administration and sought intervention from the Central Government over their traditional forest rights and development requirements.
Residents are now urging the Uttarakhand government to take up the matter with the Centre and seek a resolution that allows them to access their customary rights while addressing infrastructure needs.
Sanctuary Administration Says Proposals Sent to Centre
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary Deputy Director Nidhi Semwal said a proposal concerning the traditional rights of residents had previously been sent to the Central Government.
According to her, the Centre had suggested making arrangements for providing facilities to villagers through the Tons Forest Division.
Semwal said another proposal had subsequently been sent to the Centre, seeking arrangements that would allow residents to access their customary rights within their own areas.
The matter therefore remains under consideration, with residents seeking a resolution to the difficulties they say have affected their access to forest resources and basic infrastructure.
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