New Agasthyamalai eviction orders continue to silence Forest Rights Act

The article discusses the ongoing eviction orders issued by the Forest Department in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (ABR), particularly in Tamil Nadu, based on Supreme Court directives and Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommendations. It argues that these evictions, aimed at removing alleged encroachments, are being carried out without proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, thereby perpetuating historical injustices against forest dwellers. The author criticizes state governments, the CEC, and the judiciary for ignoring key provisions of the FRA, such as the requirement for gram sabha verification and the prohibition of eviction until the recognition process is complete. The article highlights the conflict between conservation efforts in protected areas and the statutory rights of traditional forest dwellers.