Anil Bamne from Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh says couple of weeks back I had reported about non functioning of Anganwadi centers in adivasi villages inside Achanakmar tiger reserve. After the report the offials did a inspection and found the anganwadis to be closed in two villages and food was stored in the house of a govt official. The food has now been shifted to Anganwadi for use of the children and this action has improved the functioning of other nearby centers. He thanks the officials for their prompt action. For more Anil Ji can be reached at 09977161570

Anil Bamne from Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh says regular immunisation of children is not taking place in the villages inside Achanakmar tiger reserve. The health workers do not visit the villages regularly. Tribal mothers do not know about immunisation and sometimes the immunisation of children is very late. He says we are getting lots of money from outside as well for immunisation and should make sure that they reach all the people. For more Bamne ji can be reached at 09977161570

My name is Kannaiya Duari. I am calling from Kunswada village, Gorgonta Panchayat (in Malkangiri, Orissa). We came here 5 years back. When we came we paid Rs. 4000 per family to the (nearby) Matar Panchayat elders and cleared part of the forest here to settle down. Ever since we have been living and farming here, for the last 3 years. But now the Matar Panchayat residents are claiming that the money we gave them were taken away by the forest department, and that the guards are demanding more money. So the Matar Panchayat elders are asking us to again pay money to them, which they are saying they will pass on to the Forest Department. If we don’t pay them, we will be evicted from here by the Forest Department. We have been living here for such a long time, we even work for the forest department when they ask us to. Why should we pay money again now? For more Mr Duari can be reached at 08658569092.

Yesterday Andhra forest department burnt 40 houses of IDP Adivasis who were living in reserve forest at Andhra- Chhattisgarh borer after fleeing a war at their home. One of them Komran Rajesh sends a desparate plea for help. Forest department people have burnt his home, looted about 5000 rupees, burnt the fodder for the cows and his class ten certificate. “I am reduced to a nothing, without education, without even clothes, where will I go now? I came in here in great sorrow, and I cannot go back because of Naxals there in Chhattisgarh in our home near Jagargunda. Somebody help us. We are stranded without water in the hot summer sun.” Rajesh can be reached at 09441102150

Dr Haneef from Andhra- Chhattisgarh border is telling us that today some forest officials came with more than 100 forest guards and burnt down 40+ huts of Interneally Displaced people ( IDP) tribals. These Chhattisgarh tribals are living in the reserve forest due to ongoing war in Chhattisgarh and they look for work in nearby areas for their survival. After the fire incident many women and children have run away in the forest and not tracable now. He requests all of us for helping these hapless people in trouble. For more please contact Dr Haneef at 09490353568