Central forest DDG inspects Taungyadars settlement site for regularization proposal

GANGTOK, : A.T. Mishra, Deputy Director General of Forest (Central), Regional Office Bhubaneswar, visited Taungyadars settlement site at Yalli reserve forest in Gangtok district today in connection with a State government proposal to regularize the settlements on forest land.

Accompanied by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. P. Senthil Kumar and a team of officials from State Forest department, including additional director, joint director, DFO and Range Officers, the DDG undertook a field inspection to assess ground realities.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests had desired to have a field inspection to evaluate a proposal by the State Forest department to regularize settlements of Taungyadars who have been residing on the forest lands of Sikkim since before 1980, informs a press release. “Presently these people sustain their livelihood by cattle rearing and cultivation of the land. The Government of Sikkim decided to recognise the Taungyadars’ contribution and rights by regularizing their settlements in the above areas by regularizing their settlements ‘as is where is’ basis to secure their livelihood and their generations in the State.”

The DDG along with State Forest officials travelled by foot to Yalli village and inspected the proposed site. They also interacted with the villagers and listened to their grievances to gather first-hand understanding on their cause and issues, and shared information about the proposals of the government and process taken forward to regularize the settlement.

Local residents and the ward panchayat member expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging the government's efforts to address their long-standing demands.

Later in the day, the DDG held a review meeting with the additional PCCF and officials involved in the working plan of Namchi district to discuss the proposals further.