Udaipur, April 29: A significant protest was held outside the divisional commissioner’s office in Udaipur on Wednesday, demanding effective implementation of the Forest Rights Law and resolution of pending claims. Hundreds of people from various districts of the region gathered under the banner of the Jungle Zameen Jan Andolan, expressing their dissent through traditional drums and music to make their voices heard by the government.
Over 300 participants from Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, Rajsamand, Sirohi, Bhilwara, Bundi, and Kota took part in the demonstration. Protesters alleged that despite the Forest Rights Law being enacted in 2006, a significant number of eligible individuals are still deprived of their rights.
Coordinator Dharmchand Kher stated that approximately 1,118,000 individual claims have been submitted in the state, yet only 52,000 people have received land titles so far. He emphasized that thousands of claims remain pending, causing distress for tribal families and those living in forest areas.
The demonstrators demanded the swift resolution of pending individual and community claims. They also urged that the names of those who have received titles be recorded in revenue records, enabling them to access agricultural electricity connections and other government schemes.
Discontent regarding community forest rights was also evident, with activists pointing out that out of nearly 10,000 forest area villages in Rajasthan, only 2,088 have been granted community forest rights, which they deemed insufficient.
Despite the sweltering heat and wedding season, the large turnout underscored the seriousness of the movement. Protesters warned that if the government and administration do not take prompt and concrete action, the agitation will escalate further.