Siddapura: Hundreds of huts have resurfaced again in the area evicted by the forest officials as the tribals are reluctant to move out of the location and unwilling to accept the formula offered by the government.
Forest officials attempted to clear the area again but tribal leader Mutthamma climbed a tree in protest and refused to leave the area. She protested for over 3 hours, leaving the forest officials in a confused state. She had walked naked protesting the government decision to evacuate the tribals from the area sometime ago.
The government has failed to find an amicable solution ever since the protests first broke out in the month of December, 2016. The efforts by the district administration to allot sites at alternate locations through raffle failed to yield desired results. The delay and change in stance, both by the government and tribals is only worsening the situation.
Some vested interests are trying to make political gains out of the issue as none are keen to find a lasting solution to the crisis. Recent visit to the district by Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa to resolve the issue too failed though a lot was expected of it.
Some new entrants have crept into tribal ranks with the sole intention of acquiring government allotted sites to reap quick benefits. The lesser fortunate ones have given up their estate accommodation in the hope of getting sites and are languishing under trees bearing the vagaries of weather. The problem is likely to worsen with the onset of monsoon during mid June in the district.
Meanwhile, a small group of tribals have decided to take up the government allotted sites in Basavanahalli area. But majority of them led by leader Muthamma are keen on getting sites in Diddalli itself. They are urging the government to allot a site of 5 cent and construct small houses for them in Diddalli itself. If the government wants them to move out of the area, they are insisting on 2 acre land for each tribal family for cultivation.
The problem seems to have worsened by the day with no solution in sight.
