Forums demand community title deeds for tribal haadis

More than 150 applications for title deeds pending

In a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Tribal Joint Action Forum and State Primitive and Forest Tribes Forum have sought the DC to distribute community title deeds for tribal haadis in the district.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, state convenor of Tribal Joint Action Forum, S Sreekanth recalled that community title deeds for 19 haadis were distributed three years ago. Apart from the 19, about 150 applications for community title deeds are pending with the district administration, he said.

“Community title deeds and also individual title deeds for tribals should be given as per The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers Forest Rights (Recognition)
Act, 2006. Pending applications should be disposed off by August 15,” he demanded.

Forest dwelling communities and scheduled tribes have been facing several road-blocks in exercising their rights for forest produce, especially from the Forest department. Providing community title deeds on a priority basis will be a relief for the communities facing regular harassment from authorities, he said.

There are 215 tribal haadis in the district, of which 196 do not possess community title deeds. The title deeds will ensure that tribals are allowed to collect minor forest produce such as honey, tubers, medicinal plants, fodder for animals etc. Use of burial places, places of worship and fishing in tanks inside the forest will be made easier. So, community title deeds should be distributed soon, the memorandum read.

“Chief Minister in the recent budget has allotted Rs 25 crore for the development of haadis with community title deeds. By distributing title deeds, district administration must facilitate the development of Haadis,” he said.

Individual title deeds

In the memorandum, the Forums noted that more than 800 individual title deeds for beneficiaries had been prepared but was not yet distributed. In addition to this, about 2,000 applications for title deeds was pending at the DC’s office.

“Though providing community title deeds should be done on a priority basis, distribution of individual title deeds too should not be delayed for long,” he said.