Flood relief work have not much reached the certain prime tribal pockets that have been grievously hit by the deluge, Adivasi Gothra Mahasabha (AGM) has said.
“While relief commodities were stocked in huge quantities in Palakkad and Ernakulam, a large number of displaced tribespeople in Palakkad, Wayanad and Idukki continued to struggle to meet their daily needs. Besides, restrictions have been imposed on voluntary workers from assisting tribes who were settled in the forestlands of Attappady,” AGM convenor M. Geethanandan told press persons here.
He attributed the extent of damage and numerous casualties in the calamity to the wanton misuse of natural resources. “Successive governments, including the current Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, have pursued policies that promoted infrastructural development, even at the expense of the environment. The reluctance in implementing the recommendations of the Madhav Gadgil-led panel on the Western Ghats is indicative of the stance,” he alleged.
He urged the government to announce a special package for the rehabilitation and sustenance of weaker sections including tribes, Dalits and fisherfolk by entrusting the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Department to undertake a comprehensive study of the losses suffered by these communities.
He added that a panel comprising over 100 tribal and Dalit activists who represented various organisations would soon be deployed for a fact-finding mission in the affected areas. Following the study, a two-day workshop would be held in Ernakulam on September 15 and 16 to formulate recommendations to be submitted to the government for the proposed rehabilitation package.
The organisation also appealed to the State universities to conduct a special round of allotment for Scheduled Tribes students in view of their inability to participate in the admission process owing to the floods.
The forum for tribal rights also urged the State government adopt a development policy that was both socially inclusive and eco-friendly in the aftermath of the recent floods. The earlier growth model had sidelined tribes, Dalits, and coastal and farming communities, Geethanandan said.