10 acres of land for agriculture will lose the identity of grassland 10 acres of land for cultivation will lose the grassland identity

Banni, the best grassland in Asia, is witnessing an increase in stockholders after the appointment of a settlement officer, and even after 10 acres of land for residential, agricultural land, if the grazing area is given over to reforestation, the grassland will lose its identity and pastoral activity will cease.

According to other Maldharis of Banni including Baba Khan Mutwa of Gorewali, after independence, many presentations have been made to give collective title, revenue status to Maldharis of 55 villages of 19 group gram panchayats of Banni like other regions under forest rights. Recently, the appointment of Settlement Officer has created confusion. Re-examination of some of the Jogawais is necessary as 10 acres of land is provided for residential and agricultural purposes but why can the Banni herdsmen who have been making a living on animal husbandry for years survive without the grazing area.

As the grazing land disappears, the grasslands of the bunny will lose their indigenous identity and the herdsmen will become agricultural labourers. With such a sudden decision, the business of animal husbandry will be completely destroyed and the question of livelihood will arise. The government should, among other things, review the implementation of the Forest Rights Act and there has been a growing demand by farmers to remove bottlenecks caused by the forest department.