Evicted tribals confused over rehabilitation status

The groups have been relocated at two places

Tribal families evicted from Diddalli in Kodagu district on Saturday have reconciled themselves to the unfolding situation and are confused over their rehabilitation status.

The groups have been relocated at two places and while the Jenu Kurubas have been shifted to Basavanahalli near Kushalnagar, the Yeravas are in a camp at Madalapura near Byadgotta even as their agitation that rocked the State in December and was supported by NGOs, has lost traction.

Conservator of Forests of Kodagu Manoj Kumar told

The Hindu that the Devamachi reserve forest in Diddalli has been cleared of encroachment and the tribal communities are now in the process of being rehabilitated by the government.

Tribals living in Diddalli since the last few months were convinced of the rehabilitation measures being worked out by the government and they readily agreed to move out, according to the official. “No one was forcefully evicted,” said Mr. Manoj Kumar. But this was disputed by J.K. Appaji, who spearheaded the tribal agitation in the initial stages.

“Tribals were confused and when we opposed the eviction on Saturday, there was no support from others who had reconciled themselves to the unfolding situation. We want the tribes to be rehabilitated in one place, but the authorities have split the community into two groups and are planning their rehabilitation at different places,” said Mr. Appaji.

He said the families were assured that shelter had been constructed but it was not yet ready. “However, food is being served thrice a day and temporary sheds for toilets are being set up,” Mr. Appaji added.

Meanwhile, M.B. Prabhu, an activist fighting for the rights of tribal communities, said that Government can resolve the issue only if it orders a systematic enumeration of tribals living in coffee estates and of tribals who are landless followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation plan. “Piecemeal approach in solving tribal problem in Kodagu will not bear fruit,” he added. This is not the first time that the tribals have been evacuated nor will it be the last time, said Mr. Prabhu, blaming the government for lacking will to rehabilitate them suitably.

The Kodagu district administration recently reviewed the issue and promised title deeds once the shelters are ready. The plans were to rehabilitate the 577 families at three places but there is widespread opposition to rehabilitation at Kedamulluru. Hence, the government is scouting for an alternative site in lieu of it.