Malappuram(Kerala) | Kerala Forest Minister Shibu Baby John on Friday said that the government will take steps to ensure that the forests in the state are completely plastic free.
The minister, in a statement, also said that a special package will be implemented for the Cholanaikkan tribal community who reside in the dense forests of the Nilambur valley here.
John said that there is a situation now where plastic items reach forests that are not even part of the eco-tourism spots.
To deal with the situation, the government decided to provide the tribals living deep inside the forest with natural materials that are made using their own skills.
Referring to the Cholanaikkan tribal community, the minister said they are very special and the government was interested in utilising their knowledge about the forests.
He said that the government will study the issues being specifically faced by the tribal community and will implement the ideas and plans they have to address the same.
The minister said that the Cholanaikkan's tribal settlements in the deep forests are different from other such settlements, as their dwellings are mostly rock formations with three sides.
That is why they are known as the last remaining cave dwellers in Asia, John said.
However, those who went out of their settlements for studies, have adopted the ways of the local people.
The minister said that since they are a nomadic community that lives by collecting fruits from the forest, their community and individual forest rights should be considered separately.
'The government will examine the legal aspects of it and find a solution," he said.
The minister also said that necessary protein food items will be provided to them.
Dr. Vinod, a member of the Cholanaikkan community who has received higher education, brought the needs and problems of the tribal settlements to the attention of the minister, the statement said.
Vinod also informed the minister that there is no accommodation facility for the tribals when they come out of their settlements for any health problems or other urgent needs.
Taking note of this, minister instructed the officials to urgently prepare a dormitory system for them.
The minister also accepted the demand of the community that their members be given priority in forest-related jobs, the statement said.
The minister said that services of physically fit individuals who know the forests are required for being deployed as guards and guides in the forest area.
He said that the tribal communities will be given first priority in the recruitment of the 500-strong Special Reserve Force to be formed for being deployed as guards and guides.
The minister also said that the construction of forest museums and the possibilities of cultural tourism on the forest borders will be examined to preserve the artistic tradition and generate income in a way that will help improve the lives of tribal communities.
The minister's village visit, titled 'Oor unarvu', was started with representatives of various departments to understand firsthand how the living conditions of the people living in the forest area can be improved, the statement said.
The aim of the initiative is to visit all 36 tribal settlements in the state in 36 months to find specific solutions to the problems being faced by each of them.
