Tribal communities unite to defend forest rights in historic Maha Gram Sabha

A large gathering of tribal communities recently took place to assert their forest rights. The event, organised by the Aarey Adivasi Hakka Samvardhan Samiti, saw representatives from government bodies and tribal groups in Palghar and Thane come together. The Maha Gram Sabha was held to submit Community Forest Rights claims. Tribal groups from Aarey, Yeoor, Wagle Estate, Dahisar, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park presented their applications.

During the assembly, the collective organisations raised concerns about the BMC’s Zonal Master Plan. They argued that the plan ignores the traditional rights of indigenous communities in Aarey, Thane, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The groups also opposed infrastructure projects proposed in the plan, citing environmental risks. The claims have now been formally submitted. The tribal communities and their leaders have made their stance clear on protecting their rights and the environment. The BMC will need to address these concerns in its planning process.