The anger of local residents over the forest land dispute in Bapugram (Rishikesh) has once again intensified. Those who have long been fighting for their land rights and future are now demanding decisive action from the government. Expressing displeasure with the government’s attitude, the Bapugram Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has warned of further intensifying the agitation. The committee stated categorically that if the state government does not make a strong and effective representation in court on behalf of the local residents, thousands of people in the area will be forced to completely boycott the upcoming assembly elections.
Claim of a populated area before 1908
At a press conference held at a wedding point in 20 Bigha, committee convener Ramesh Jugalan, while recounting the history of Bapugram, stated that it is not a newly settled area. According to him, Bapugram has been a populated area since before 1908. In 1950, due to the efforts of Meera Behen, the area was given the status of an ideal village. Subsequently, Bapugram was declared a revenue village and later included within the municipal corporation limits. The committee states that despite being involved in the development and administrative system of the region, forest land disputes have posed a serious threat to the homes, livelihoods, and futures of thousands of families living there.
15,000 Families and Approximately 70,000 People Affected
According to the committee, land disputes related to Bapugram, Bindukhatta, and Bagga-54 are having a widespread impact. The committee claims that these cases affect approximately 15,000 families and approximately 70,000 people. Local residents say that despite living in the area for a long time and establishing their own homes, the lack of resolution of the land dispute has left them in a state of constant confusion. The committee has demanded that the government strongly present the case in court, considering the plight of the affected families, so that they can find relief regarding their future.
Questions also raised about the functioning of the high-level committee
During the press conference, committee officials also raised questions about the functioning of the high-level government committee formed during the state government’s cabinet meeting. The committee stated that while the government has formed a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, the affected people have not yet been adequately involved in the process. The committee demanded that the government make public the number of meetings held by the Chief Secretary and the decisions taken in these meetings in the interest of the affected families. It also demanded that committee representatives be included in the committee to establish direct communication with the local people.
Demand for a concrete solution, not assurances
The Bapugram Bachao Sangharsh Samiti states that the local people are no longer satisfied with mere assurances. They demand a concrete and just solution that will alleviate the crisis looming over their homes, livelihoods, and future. The committee demanded that the government resolve the matter quickly and ensure effective advocacy on behalf of the local residents in court. The committee warned that if the government does not take the matter seriously and make a strong case, the movement will be escalated to a larger scale. A decision to boycott the upcoming assembly elections may also be taken. Following this stance of the committee, the forest land dispute of Bapugram is once again in the headlines and now the eyes of the local people are fixed on the next action of the government.