Tribal farmers in Narmada dispute forest land rights

A dispute between tribal farmers and the Forest Department in Sagbara taluka, Narmada district, has intensified over the right to cultivate forest land. Following a meeting with tribal leaders, farmers from villages including Khopi, Halgam, Padi, and Dodhanwadi attempted to plow forest land using traditional oxen and plows.

The Forest Department intervened to stop the illegal cultivation, leading to heated confrontations between forest officials and villagers. The farmers claim they have been cultivating this land for decades to sustain their families and argue that inconsistent regulations are being applied, noting that farmers in nearby Umarpada are permitted to farm similar land.

Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava has escalated the matter to the state level. After participating in a protest with local farmers, Vasava met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar to present the farmers' grievances. The MP has requested immediate intervention to resolve the issue, and following the meeting, he intends to discuss the matter further with the state Forest Minister.