Forest Villagers’ Organization demands the inclusion of forest area in GTA Our Correspondent Himalaya

Forest Villagers’ Organization demands the inclusion of forest area in GTA Our Correspondent Himalaya 

KALIMPONG, May 03: The Himalaya Forest Villagers’ Organization has submitted an application to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief, Bimal Gurung to include the whole of the forest area under Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) along with the initiation of the Forest Act 2006, informed the Organization’s West Bengal Secretary, Leela Gurung during a press meet held today. He mentioned that while meeting with the Morcha head they discussed on why the forest area including its villagers are not being included under GTA. Addressing the meet, Gurung said that if the forest area is not included than GTA will face a great economic setback as the said area is famous for the 3Ts Tourism, Timber and Tea. The Morcha President has been informed about this ‘would be’ economic loss, mentioned the Secretary. “If the Bodoland Territorial Authority in the neighbouring Assam can include the forest areas under them then why cannot the GTA do the same?” questioned Gurung. 

Further, the Secretary informed that the GJM reciprocating to their demand has appealed the Central and State Government to include the forest area under GTA. If the GJM becomes successful in acquiring NOC from the State Government regarding the inclusion and forwards it to the Central Government then the forest areas can definitely be merged along with the smooth functioning of the Forest Act 2006, said Gurung hopefully. The Secretary further whined that in order to initiate the Forest Act a committee at Sub Divisional level is to be formed comprising of 3 representatives from the forest area, but such committees are nowhere to be found in Kalimpong and Kurseong. The Morcha has also been notified about the absence of representatives from Kalimpong and Kurseong in the District Committee too. To this the Morcha chief has directed them to meet the MLA regarding this matter, he acquainted. Lastly, Gurung stated that till date they have dedicatedly served for the Gorkhaland cause and will be doing so in the future and they will be supporting the Morcha whole heartedly in this matter.