Tribals in Jharkhand PTR Demand Resettlement from Jaigir Pahar

• 55 residents in Jaigir Pahar seek relocation due to difficult living conditions
• The journey to the plain is challenging for the sick and disabled, isolating them during the rainy season
• Lack of amenities hinders marriages and utilization of government schemes

In a bid to escape their arduous living conditions atop Jaigir Pahar, a group of 55 individuals residing in 17 houses have fervently appealed to the authorities at Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) for relocation.

These long-standing residents, hailing from the Birjiya, Oraon, and Lohra communities, have endured life on the hill for decades, facing continuous fluctuations in population.

The journey to and from the plain, a distance of four kilometers, has proved daunting for the sick and disabled members of the community. During the rainy season, heavy downpours further isolate them from the world below, leaving them to coexist with unwelcome companions such as snakes and scorpions, which thrive in the Jaigir Pahar's verdant landscape.

Adding to their woes is the remoteness of their location, as they must travel approximately 6 kilometers to reach Kabree village, where the government's Public Distribution System (PDS) provides them with essential rations.

Kumar Ashish, the Deputy Director of the PTR's South Division, acknowledged the residents' plight, stating that they aspire to settle in a plain area closer to a road, which would not only improve their livelihoods but also facilitate agriculture. However, their struggle extends beyond physical challenges. The absence of basic amenities such as education, healthcare, electricity, and convenient transportation has resulted in significant hurdles in arranging marriages for their children. Families from outside the region are reluctant to forge matrimonial alliances due to the difficult topography and lack of facilities.

"The younger generation should not have to suffer like us," emphasized the concerned residents, expressing their desire for a better future for their children. They are eager to break free from the constraints of living in the Pahar and utilize the benefits offered by various government schemes.

Ashish further highlighted the increasing awareness among people about government initiatives but pointed out that the residents' living situation in the hills and forests becomes a hindrance to reaping these benefits. He empathized with their aspirations and recognized the need for change, citing the successful liberation of Burha Pahar from Maoist influence last year as an example of positive transformation.