50k tribal families deprived of fisheries rights, CG LoP tells Prez

Leader of Opposition in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Charan Das Mahant, has written to the President of India seeking intervention for the implementation of a key provision of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, alleging that more than 50,000 Scheduled Tribe and other forest-dwelling families in Chhattisgarh continue to be deprived of their legal rights over fisheries and water bodies located on forest land.

In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu on May 6, 2026, Mahant stated that Section 3(1)(e) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 provides for community rights over fish and other aquatic resources in water bodies situated on forest land. He claimed that despite the provision being in force across the country since December 2007, it has not been effectively implemented in Chhattisgarh even after 18 years.

Mahant pointed out that nearly 1.58 lakh hectares of water bodies are located on forest land in the state and that more than 50,000 tribal and other forest-dwelling families depend on fishing and fish-based livelihoods for sustenance.

According to the Opposition leader, the state’s fisheries policy does not adequately incorporate the provisions of the Forest Rights Act and, in some respects, runs contrary to them. He alleged that reservoirs situated on forest land are being leased out through tendering processes, particularly for water bodies exceeding 1,000 hectares, resulting in tribal and forest-dwelling communities being reduced to wage labourers rather than being recognised as holders of community rights.

Mahant contended that such practices violate the spirit and provisions of the Forest Rights Act, which envisages community ownership and management rights over aquatic resources located on forest land.

Seeking presidential intervention, Mahant requested that directions be issued to the Governor and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh to ensure immediate implementation of Section 3(1)(e) of the Act and to safeguard the rights of eligible tribal and forest-dwelling communities.

Rashtrapati Bhavan Responds

In a communication dated May 22, 2026, the President’s Secretariat acknowledged receipt of Mahant’s letter and informed him that the representation had been forwarded to the Chief Secretary, Government of Chhattisgarh, for appropriate consideration.

The letter, signed by Nitin Gupta, Deputy Secretary, President’s Secretariat, stated that Mahant’s representation addressed to the President had been referred to the state government for necessary action and examination.