Megamalai hill residents protest eviction, seek forest rights protection
THENI: Thousands of residents from hill villages in the Megamalai region of Theni district on Friday staged a protest at the Collectorate here, opposing eviction notices issued by the Forest Department. The demonstration, led by CPI (M) State Secretary P. Shanmugam, urged the State government to file a revision petition in the Supreme Court to restore the residents' access to the region.
The protesters submitted a petition to Theni Collector, demanding that land titles be granted to forest-dwelling residents under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and that no eviction be carried out. Mr. Shanmugam said the residents have lived in the area for over 50 years and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. He argued that the Forest Rights Act provides legal recognition to the rights of traditional forest dwellers and that evicting them would be a violation of the law.
The protest came in the wake of notices issued by the Forest Department after the area was declared part of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve. Since the declaration, the department has imposed several restrictions on the residents and initiated measures to evict them from the land, sparking widespread concern among the affected families.
According to the protesters, the hill villages have existed for decades, and the residents have maintained a symbiotic relationship with the forest. They also pointed out that the restrictions have severely affected their agricultural activities and daily lives. The demand for a revision petition in the Supreme Court stems from a previous court order that directed the eviction of unauthorised occupants from forest areas. The protesters want the State government to seek a review of that order in the context of the residents' long-standing habitation and their rights under the Forest Rights Act.
Speaking at the gathering, Mr. Shanmugam said the Collector had assured them that a special meeting would be convened with all stakeholders, including officials from various departments, to address the issue. The protest drew support from multiple political parties, and traffic near the Collectorate had to be diverted due to the large turnout.
The issue highlights the ongoing tension between forest conservation efforts and the rights of traditional forest-dwelling communities. While the creation of the tiger reserve is aimed at protecting wildlife, residents argue that their presence and livelihood activities are not incompatible with conservation goals. They are seeking a balanced approach that safeguards both their rights and the ecological integrity of the region.
The authorities have yet to announce a date for the special meeting. Meanwhile, the residents have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met. The situation remains tense, with the future of many families in the hill villages hanging in the balance.
