Tiruppur MP Advocates for Road Construction in Vilankombai Under FRA
Tiruppur MP K. Subbarayan has formally requested the construction of a new road for the Vilankombai tribal settlement under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The proposed road aims to enhance connectivity, healthcare access, and education for the indigenous Irula community in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats.
The Struggle of Vilankombai’s Tribal Community
Vilankombai, a remote tribal settlement, faces severe isolation due to inadequate road infrastructure. During monsoons, narrow unpaved paths become impassable, disrupting school attendance, emergency medical access, and trade of forest produce.
Residents, primarily from the Irula tribe, rely on precarious pathways, limiting their economic opportunities. A motorable road could transform their quality of life by linking them to nearby towns and markets.
How the Forest Rights Act Could Help
MP Subbarayan’s proposal leverages the FRA’s Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights, which permit infrastructure development in tribal areas without environmental harm. The road would align with tribal welfare goals while adhering to ecological safeguards.
In his appeal to the District Collector and Tribal Welfare Department, Subbarayan stressed that the project would empower the community, ensuring dignity and sustainable growth.
Support and Potential Hurdles
Tribal activists and local leaders have welcomed the initiative. Activist R. Murugesan stated, “This road is crucial for survival, not just mobility.”
However, challenges include securing clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and addressing ecological concerns. The MP assures sustainable planning to mitigate environmental impact.
Government’s Response and Future Steps
The District Collector confirmed a joint survey involving forest officials and tribal representatives to assess feasibility. Tamil Nadu’s Tribal Welfare Department has pledged to prioritize the proposal, potentially setting a precedent for other tribal regions.
A Milestone for Tribal Inclusion
This initiative highlights the ongoing struggle of India’s tribal communities for basic infrastructure. If approved, the Vilankombai road could signify progress in inclusive development under the FRA.
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