Gram sabhas pass resolution demanding mining project cancellation

GADCHIROLI: Representatives of 259 gram sabhas of the district have passed a resolution demanding cancellation of all mining projects here, claiming that it is destroying places of worship of tribals and impacting the environment adversely.

The resolution was passed unanimously at the district level meeting of gram sabhas held at Girola village in the district on Wednesday.

The gram sabhas also demanded abolition of Police Act, 1880, which they termed as "anti-tribal". The representatives and villagers demanded enactment of a 'people oriented law' that would ensure social security of people, according to a press release issued by Gram Sabha Office here today.

Several other important resolutions were also passed that included effective implementation of PESA (Panchayat Extension to Schedule Areas) Act, all pending claims of forest lands be cleared immediately and ownership of such land be handed over to land holders under Forest Rights Act, 2006, habitat rights to Madiya Gond population be accorded at the earliest, it said.

All these resolutions were sent to the President of India and Governor of Maharashtra, the release added.

Former MLA and district convener of Bharat Jan Andolan Hiramanji Warkhede, former MLA Namdeo Usendi and others were also present attended the meeting.