Government moves to regularize Taungyadars settlements in Sikkim; DDG Forests visits site

In an important step towards securing the future of Taungyadars living in Sikkim's forest lands, the Deputy Director General (DDG) of Forests, Government of India, Mr. A.T. Mishra, carried out a field inspection at the Taungyadars Settlement Site located inside the Yalli Reserve Forest, Gangtok District. His visit was aimed at reviewing the Government of Sikkim's proposal to regularize these settlements, which have existed since before 1980.

Mishra, who is from the Regional Office in Bhubaneswar, was accompanied by Dr. P. Senthil Kumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Addl PCCF), and a team of senior officials from the Forest Department, including the Additional Director, Joint Director, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Range Officers, and other staff.

The Government of Sikkim had earlier submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, requesting that the settlements of pre-1980 Taungyadars in forest lands be regularized. These communities have been living in the area for decades, mainly relying on cattle rearing and agriculture for their livelihood. Recognizing their long-standing occupation and their contribution to the land, the Government of Sikkim has decided to regularize these settlements on an "as-is-where-is" basis. This move aims to protect their livelihood and secure the future of their next generations.

As part of the process, the Ministry wanted a field inspection to better understand the ground situation. Acting on this, Mishra, along with the state forest officials, visited the remote Yalli Village by foot and carefully inspected the settlement areas proposed for regularization. During the visit, the team interacted directly with the villagers, listening to their concerns and gathering first-hand information about their issues and living conditions.

The visiting officials explained to the villagers about the government’s proposal and the steps being taken to regularize their settlements. They reassured the villagers that efforts were underway to resolve their long-pending demands. The interaction was warm, and the villagers, along with the ward panchayat member, expressed their deep gratitude to the government and the visiting team. They were particularly thankful that officials had made the effort to reach their remote village and listen to their grievances personally.

Later in the day, Mishra also held a meeting with the Additional PCCF and the Working Plan officials to review the proposals related to the Namchi District’s forest working plan. Discussions were held on how to integrate the regularization of Taungyadars settlements into the broader planning framework.