15-Dec-2024
Habitat Rights Milestone for the Bonda Community
On December 13, 2024, the Bonda Community of Odisha achieved a groundbreaking milestone as they received their Habitat Rights Patta under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The Chief Minister of Odisha ceremoniously handed over the Habitat Rights Patta to representatives of the community during the Malyabanta Festival in Malkangiri. This historic event marked a transformative moment for the Bonda tribe, symbolizing the legal recognition of their customary rights and laying the foundation for safeguarding their cultural and ecological legacy.
The Bonda tribe, or 'Remo' as they call themselves, resides in the rugged Bondaghati region of the Eastern Ghats within Malkangiri district, Odisha. Comprising 29 villages under the Mudulipada and Andrahal Gram Panchayats, their traditional lands are a testament to their unique socio-cultural practices and their harmonious relationship with the forest. However, for decades, their rights to these lands remained unrecognized, leaving them vulnerable to external pressures and environmental challenges.
The Habitat Rights Patta provides the community with security and autonomy, empowering them to sustainably manage their ancestral lands. This recognition under the FRA, 2006, has become a cornerstone of the community's efforts to preserve their ancestral lands and ensure long-term property rights. Such rights are essential for fostering ecological stewardship, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable forest management.
The process of securing Habitat Rights for the Bonda PVTG was extensive and collaborative. It began with the formation of Forest Rights Committees (FRCs) across 28 villages within the Mudulipada and Andrahal Gram Panchayats. Supported by the Initiative on Forest Economy (IoFE) team, Gram Sabha meetings were conducted to build consensus, document claims, and map the extent of the community's habitat.
To ensure accuracy, both hand-sketch and GIS maps were prepared, capturing intricate details of the Bonda community's traditional forests and settlements. This effort was bolstered by a training program held on July 29, 2024, at the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) in Paralakhemundi. During this program, 18 volunteers from four Gram Sabhas were trained in GIS mapping techniques, using tools like the Traccar Client app and nCount, a machine-learning-powered mapping platform. Despite challenges such as limited access to technology, the volunteers, especially women, played a pivotal role in mapping forest boundaries, settlement areas, and key landmarks.
On November 1 and 2, 2024, joint verification meetings were held in Mudulipada and Andrahal villages. These sessions brought together FRCs, Gram Sabha members, and representatives from the Forest and Revenue Departments to review the claims and validate the maps. The collaborative approach not only strengthened the claims but also showcased the community's deep knowledge of their landscape.
The finalized Habitat Rights claims were submitted to the Tahasildar of Khairput on December 4, 2024, and subsequently forwarded to the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC) for further examination and approval. The dedication of the community, combined with technical support from the IoFE team, ensured that the claims adhered to the provisions of the FRA, 2006.
The Journey of Habitat Rights Recognition
The recognition of Habitat Rights for the Bonda PVTG underscores the transformative power of combining community-led efforts with modern technology. It highlights the importance of accurate mapping, inclusive participation, and sustained collaboration among local communities, government bodies, and supporting organizations.
This milestone serves as a model for similar efforts across India, demonstrating that legal recognition of customary rights is not only achievable but also essential for the sustainable management of forest resources and the preservation of Indigenous cultures. For the Bonda community, this achievement is a testament to their resilience, unity, and commitment to protecting their way of life for generations to come.
A Model for Change
As the Bonda community begins this new chapter, the Habitat Rights Patta marks not the end of their journey but the beginning of a new era of empowerment and stewardship. It enables the community to take charge of their ancestral lands, preserve their cultural heritage, and ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.
This success also calls for ongoing support and collaboration to address challenges such as infrastructure development, technological access, and policy advocacy. Together, these efforts can ensure that the Bonda community continues to thrive, setting an inspiring example of resilience and self-determination for forest-dependent communities across the nation.