March 6, 2024
By Anagha C.
In Nedunkayam Village, nestled within the Karulai Panchayath, Nilambur, Kerala, a momentous chapter unfolded as Engala Chemmam marked its pinnacle with the completion of its 5th Step—a defining moment in the journey towards securing Community Forest Rights (CFR). The essence of ‘Engala Chemmam’ – which translates to ‘Our Territory,’, stands as a testament to a collective movement, intertwining training, awareness initiatives, and preparatory activities to empower communities in the assertion of their rights over the forest.
At the core of this particular step was the submission of meticulously developed maps of Nedunkayam and Pulimunda Villages to the Gramapanchayath, under the presence of the Sub-Divisional Level Committee (SDLC). Much of this intricate process was carried out by Keystone volunteers Madhavan from Pulimunda Village (Executive Member of Thoduve Community Foundation), Aneesh from Neerpuzha Mukkaman (Executive Member of Thoduve Community Foundation), and Nandana (Otterfonds Fellow). These concerted efforts were guided by the experienced leadership of Sunilkumar, a revered community member from Nedunkayam, and our dedicated field coordinator.
A diverse spectrum of stakeholders converged for this momentous occasion, including representatives from Gramapanchayath, SDLC, Block Panchayath, Kudumbashree, Mahila Samakhya Society, Thoduve Community Foundation, Integrated Tribal Development Programme, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), Azim Premji University (APU), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and local community members.
The program was inaugurated by the esteemed Thankamani, the Block Panchayat President, setting the tone for the day. Chief Guest TEO Mr. Madhu lauded the community’s dedication and efforts, expounding on the profound relevance of CFR in his speech.
Further insights were shared by representatives from KILA, APU, and WWF, who offered perspectives on tribal communities’ rights, the significance of CFR, and the nuances of post-CFR management. Additionally, the three organisations collectively taught a 2-month residential course to the team who have worked behind the CFR efforts in Nedumkayam and Pulimunda, which helped boost the Forest Rights efforts that Keystone has been working on over the years.
This forest rights journey of over 5 years has been supported by Swallows, Sweden, alongside Misereor (2 years) and Otterfonds (2 months).
As the Grama Panchayath assumes the responsibility of scrutinizing the submitted maps, subsequent steps involve examination by the SDLC and final approval by the DLC. Upon acceptance, the community will wield their newly acquired rights under the guidance of the Forest Rights Committee and Community Forest Management Committee.
The submission part of Engala Chemmam is not arbitrary; it is the culmination of a strategic, step-by-step approach. Commencing with the strengthening of Oorukoottam, workshops on CFR for Forest Right Committee, Community Forest Rights Management Committee, Frontline workers of the area and Members of Thoduve Community Foundation, and awareness meetings on territory-level rights, the process reached its zenith in the 4th Step—evidence collection, map preparation, and cross-verification by communities and the Grama Panchayath.
This is more than a bureaucratic milestone; it is a testament to the resilience and unity of the community in their quest to secure their territory.
Anticipating a sustainable future, Engala Chemmam’s 5th Step signifies not only the conclusion of a process but the commencement of a new chapter. The community is anticipating their rights, accessing the forest sustainably, and collectively shaping the future they envision.
