MP Mansukh Vasava protests against administration over forest land title deeds

A dispute has emerged between the political and administrative machinery over the distribution of forest land title deeds (Sanads) in the tribal areas of Gujarat. BJP MP and tribal leader Mansukh Vasava has expressed anger and levelled serious allegations against officials. According to a report by Sandesh, there are plans to distribute 80,000 forest land title deeds in the state on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, but there are concerns that local tribal farmers of Narmada and Bharuch districts may be deprived of these rights.

Expressing his resentment on social media and in public, MP Vasava stated that some officials of the forest and administrative departments are attempting to grant Sanads to outsiders or new people while excluding local tribals, thereby creating divisions among the tribal community. Currently, more than 800 applications for forest land rights are pending in Narmada district, including approximately 630 applications from Sagbara taluka alone. There is widespread dissatisfaction against the administration as thousands of farmers, who have been tilling the land for the last 20 to 25 years, have not received their title deeds.

Mansukh Vasava has warned in clear terms that if this injustice against the original tribals of Bharuch and Narmada continues, he will never tolerate it. He further added that if the tribals do not receive their title deeds, they may turn violent due to the prevailing dissatisfaction. Following the MP's statement, a stir has been created within the forest department and the district administration.

Mansukh Vasava is a prominent tribal leader and a BJP MP. He is well-known for raising his voice for the rights of tribal people.