Denied nod to worship in Tadoba core, tribals stage dharna at Mohurli

Chandrapur: Tribals living in buffer zone of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) once again had a face-off with the park authorities over entry into the reserve to worship their patron deity Tadoba Dev on Wednesday.
Denied entry from Moharli gate, over 150 tribals mobbed the place and performed puja at the entrance of the park escalating tension for some time.

This is the second instance when tribals have tried to force their entry into the park for worshipping their patron deity Tadoba Dev, after which the park has been named.

Earlier, over 300 persons had tried to enter the core zone from Khutwanda gate and had staged daylong sit-in on January 13 after they were denied entry. After today’s incident, tribals have now resolved to move high court to gain entry into reserve to exercise their right to worship.

This time, the tribals had submitted a memorandum to collector through Gond Virangana Maharani Durgawati Utsav Samiti, Warora, seeking permission for entry into restricted core zone for community worship. Collector had rejected their request and had promptly informed tehsildar, Bhadrawati police and TATR authorities to take proper measures to maintain law and order at the gates.

Over 150 tribals came in 7-8 vehicles to Moharli gate at around 7am and sought entry to the core zone along with their vehicles. As authorities stopped them, they sat at the gate protesting. Bhadrawati police immediately cordoned off the area and ensured none enters the core zone forcefully. The tribals then performed their puja at the gate itself. Sources claimed that the tribals performed their traditional dance, drew large rangoli and performed puja in traditional fashion.

There was tension briefly at the gate following the agitation. Fearing resistance from the tribals, park authorities diverted a few safari vehicles of Moharli to Junona gate. Protesters, however, did not hinder the safari and remaining vehicles were allowed from Moharli gate. The tribals continued the protest at the gate till evening and returned after wiping out the rangoli, said deputy director, TATR (core), Nanasaheb Ladkat. He has sought detailed report from his subordinates.

Tribal leader, Tulsiram Shrirame, flayed the apathy of TATR and district administration towards tribals. “We tribals have protected the forest, but new regulations are against our entry into the park. Forest department should have framed rules securing our right to worship,” he charged. He also warned of severe agitation and stalling safaris if park authorities continues to deny them entry.