Bhubaneswar: Taking a historic stride, the Khurda administration has initiated the process of land settlement under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in Salia Sahi, the capital city’s largest urban slum. The endeavour aims to address the rights and grievances of the residents of Adivasi Sahi in Salia Sahi, setting the stage for potential changes in land ownership and recognition of traditional forest dwellers’ rights. The Adibasi Gramya Unnayan Committee’s appeal has prompted this move, as they seek justice and adherence to the Forest Rights Act of 2006.
Responding promptly, the Directorate of SC and ST Development, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare Department instructed the Khurda Collector to address their grievances following the due procedure.
The committee had raised concerns about the diversion of land occupied by approximately 800 inhabitants over the last five decades. Predominantly comprising Scheduled Tribe communities and other traditional forest dwellers, including Santals who revere the local deity, Jahira, the committee claimed their right to preserve and protect the local deity had been violated without their consent.
In response to the committee’s appeal, SC ST Development Director Indramani Tripathy, on November 29 of the previous year, directed the District Collector to take action as per the provisions of the Forest Rights Act of 2006 and the Amendment Rules of 2012. A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted to the SC ST Development Department.
If successfully implemented, Salia Sahi would be the first officially notified settlement under the Forest Rights Act of 2006 within an urban area. This move holds the potential to benefit hundreds of people residing in the urban slum, marking a significant step towards securing their land rights.
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