Modi govt clearing tribals to pave way for Adani's mines: RaGa, Priyanka on Hasdeo forest protest

Hasdeo forest Adani: The policies implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, particularly in favor of the Adani Group, are raising serious concerns about the environment and the rights of India's tribal communities. With natural resources being exploited to facilitate Adani's development projects, the environment is suffering, and tribal rights are being violated. The acquisition of forests, water sources, and land to benefit large corporations like Adani has led to the deprivation of traditional rights of indigenous communities, who have safeguarded these resources for generations.

What is the crisis of the tribal?

Government-backed corporate activities are endangering both the environment and tribal livelihoods. Tribal communities are finding themselves displaced from their ancestral lands as forests and water sources are seized, leading to growing unrest. These communities, whose survival is closely linked to their environment, are now fighting for their rights amidst rising incidents of repression. Security forces, including the police, have reportedly been misused to suppress protests, often resorting to violence. This crisis is not just a domestic issue but one that demands the attention of the global community to safeguard both tribal rights and environmental sustainability.

छत्तीसगढ़ के हसदेव जंगल में पेड़ों की कटाई का विरोध कर रहे आदिवासियों पर सरकार का क्रूर व्यवहार निंदनीय है। मोदी सरकार अदानी के फायदे के लिए पर्यावरण और आदिवासी समुदाय के अस्तित्व को खतरे में डाल रही हैं। #SaveHasdeo pic.twitter.com/2xQtgcn3pp

— Hansraj Meena (@HansrajMeena) October 17, 2024

Why are there protests ongoing in Hasdeo forest?

A tragic example of this is the ongoing conflict in Chhattisgarh's Hasdeo Aranya forest, where tribal villagers are protesting against deforestation to pave the way for Adani's mining operations. In recent events, the government has faced severe criticism for the police-led assault on protesting villagers, including a lathicharge on those fighting to save their land and forest. This brutal crackdown has been condemned widely as an attempt to silence opposition against corporate interests.

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi speaks up against attrocities 

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Opposition, took to social media to voice his condemnation, stating, "The attempt to forcibly take away tribal forests and land through the violent use of police force in Hasdeo Aranya is a violation of the fundamental rights of tribals." He reminded the public of the Congress government's unanimous resolution to protect Hasdeo forest, which was even supported by the BJP at the time. "But now," he added, "the BJP government has disregarded this and is pushing the tribals out, endangering both their existence and the environment."

हसदेव अरण्य में पुलिस बल के हिंसक प्रयोग से आदिवासियों के जंगल और ज़मीन के जबरन गबन का प्रयास आदिवासियों के मौलिक अधिकार का हनन है।

छत्तीसगढ़ में कांग्रेस की सरकार के दौरान विधानसभा में सर्वसम्मति से हसदेव के जंगल को न काटने का प्रस्ताव पारित हुआ था - 'सर्वसम्मति' मतलब विपक्ष…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 17, 2024

Priyanka Gandhi also highlighted the issue, stating, "It has become the policy of the BJP to oppress the tribals across the country. The tribals, who have been the owners of these forests for centuries, are being displaced to make way for Adani's mines." She questioned the government's stance on the constitutional protection of tribal areas and demanded answers on whether the rights of tribals would be ignored through superficial legal processes.

पूरे देश में आदिवासियों पर अत्याचार करना भाजपा की नीति बन गई है। जो आदिवासी सदियों से जंगलों के मालिक हैं, उन्हें बेदखल किया जा रहा है ताकि अडानी जी की खदानें चल सकें।

क्या छत्तीसगढ़ में संविधान की पांचवी अनुसूची के क्षेत्र समाप्त कर दिये गये हैं? इसके तहत संरक्षित क्षेत्र से… pic.twitter.com/sTkiPutJ8G

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) October 17, 2024

A Fight for Justice and Environment

The conflict between corporate interests and tribal rights continues to escalate, with the Modi government and Adani Group at the center of this storm. The fight for Hasdeo's forests and the broader struggle for environmental and tribal justice remain ongoing, with political opposition vowing to protect the water, forests, and land that have been preserved by indigenous communities for centuries.