Kamal Nath flags tribal land grab in Chhindwara in letter to CM, seeks probe

Time of India

21-05-2025

Bhopal: Former CM
Kamal Nath
on Wednesday shot a letter to CM Mohan Yadav appraising him on land grabbing by the mafia in
Chhindwara
district's tribal areas. The senior Congress leader asked the chief minister to conduct a high-level inquiry into the transfer of land belonging to the tribals in the district.
"I would like to bring to your attention a significant issue concerning Chhindwara district," Kamal Nath wrote to Yadav. "It is widely recognised that Chhindwara is predominantly a tribal region. The main tribal areas within the district include Jamai, Tamia, Harrai, Amarba, Bichhua, and Pandhurna, although
tribal communities
exist in all areas of the district, making their livelihoods through agriculture on their own land."
He said it was extremely alarming that, at present,
land mafia
are engaged in fraudulent activities aimed at the lands of tribals with the district administration either directly or indirectly facilitating these occupants, thereby undermining the interests of the tribal population.
"In the region, land mafias purchase and sell tribal properties by making agreements at prices significantly lower than the market value," Kamal Nath's letter alleged. "Once the sale deed is completed, the land is transferred to a non-tribal individual's name. These land mafias exploit tribal lands to develop residential projects or for commercial purposes. Tribal community members endure considerable hardship throughout this entire process," the letter stated.
He further pointed out, "To prevent the revelation, fake land purchase and sale agreements are created between tribal individuals, solely for appearances, which does not benefit the tribal community. Reports about these occurrences have appeared in local newspapers periodically, yet the district administration has failed to take meaningful action, leaving the interests of the tribal population unprotected.
The tribal community continues to be exploited by land mafias."
The former Union minister argued that the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Act includes measures to safeguard the land rights of tribal communities. "Utilising these measures, land that was unlawfully transferred from tribals in various districts has been reclaimed for them, allowing them to take possession of it. I have received information regarding such initiatives in the Budhni region," the letter stated.
"It is essential and required by law that an unbiased investigation take place concerning the transfer of tribal lands in Chhindwara district, and that these lands be liberated from land mafias and returned to the tribal communities.
"
"Consequently, I urge that a thorough high-level inquiry be carried out on cases related to the transfer of land belonging to tribals in Chhindwara district and appropriate action taken against the responsible parties," the letter said.
"To safeguard the interests of the tribal population, it is essential to adhere to legal guidelines, ensuring that the tribal community can utilise their land for agriculture and their livelihoods," Kamal Nath added.
The Congress leader asked chief minister Yadav to act promptly to protect the interests of the tribal community.
Bhopal: Former CM Kamal Nath on Wednesday shot a letter to CM Mohan Yadav appraising him on land grabbing by the mafia in Chhindwara district's tribal areas.
The senior Congress leader asked the chief minister to conduct a high-level inquiry into the transfer of land belonging to the tribals in the district.
"I would like to bring to your attention a significant issue concerning Chhindwara district," Kamal Nath wrote to Yadav. "It is widely recognised that Chhindwara is predominantly a tribal region. The main tribal areas within the district include Jamai, Tamia, Harrai, Amarba, Bichhua, and Pandhurna, although tribal communities exist in all areas of the district, making their livelihoods through agriculture on their own land.
"
He said it was extremely alarming that, at present, land mafia are engaged in fraudulent activities aimed at the lands of tribals with the district administration either directly or indirectly facilitating these occupants, thereby undermining the interests of the tribal population.
"In the region, land mafias purchase and sell tribal properties by making agreements at prices significantly lower than the market value," Kamal Nath's letter alleged.
"Once the sale deed is completed, the land is transferred to a non-tribal individual's name. These land mafias exploit tribal lands to develop residential projects or for commercial purposes. Tribal community members endure considerable hardship throughout this entire process," the letter stated.
He further pointed out, "To prevent the revelation, fake land purchase and sale agreements are created between tribal individuals, solely for appearances, which does not benefit the tribal community.
Reports about these occurrences have appeared in local newspapers periodically, yet the district administration has failed to take meaningful action, leaving the interests of the tribal population unprotected.
The tribal community continues to be exploited by land mafias."
The former Union minister argued that the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Act includes measures to safeguard the land rights of tribal communities.
"Utilising these measures, land that was unlawfully transferred from tribals in various districts has been reclaimed for them, allowing them to take possession of it. I have received information regarding such initiatives in the Budhni region," the letter stated. "It is essential and required by law that an unbiased investigation take place concerning the transfer of tribal lands in Chhindwara district, and that these lands be liberated from land mafias and returned to the tribal communities.
"
"Consequently, I urge that a thorough high-level inquiry be carried out on cases related to the transfer of land belonging to tribals in Chhindwara district and appropriate action taken against the responsible parties," the letter said. "To safeguard the interests of the tribal population, it is essential to adhere to legal guidelines, ensuring that the tribal community can utilise their land for agriculture and their livelihoods," Kamal Nath added.
The Congress leader asked chief minister Yadav to act promptly to protect the interests of the tribal community.