Union Minister Shivraj Meets CM Mohan Yadav Over Forest Department Action Against Tribals, Government Transfers Sehore DFO

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with tribals from Ichawar and Khategaon, met Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at his residence on Sunday and apprised him of the alleged action by forest officials against tribals in Kheoni sanctuary of Dewas. He also discussed about tribal issues in Sehore district.

Shortly after the meeting, the government transferred Sehore District Forest Officer (DFO) Magan Singh Dabar, posting him as Deputy Conservator of Forest, Office of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Head of Forest Force. Archana Patel, Deputy Conservator of Forest, State Minor Forest Produce Association (on deputation), has been appointed as the new Sehore DFO.

The issue gained momentum on Saturday, when Chouhan, while attending a meeting at the Sehore Collectorate premises, learnt that thousands of tribals were protesting outside. The tribals alleged that, under the guise of the proposed Sardar Patel Sanctuary in Sehore district, forest officials were attempting to label their cultivated lands as encroachments—despite the fact that they had been farming there for over 30 years.

Chouhan met demonstrators and assured them that he would take up the matter with the CM, promising a collective meeting.

During Sunday’s meeting at Samatava Bhawan, CM Yadav assured Chouhan and the tribal delegation that a thorough inquiry would be conducted into complaints and strict action taken against the guilty.

Expressing regret over conduct of forest officials, he said the government stands firmly with the affected and would ensure that no one faces hardship during the rainy season. He also promised a proper resolution to the issue.

Minister visits Kheoni

On CM Yadav’s directive, Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah visited the Kheoni Sanctuary in Dewas, where forest officials had recently demolished 51 tribal houses.

Due to impassable roads in the muddy terrain, Shah walked to reach the affected site deep inside the sanctuary. He spoke to families, assured them of government support and later returned via a tractor-trolley amidst rainfall.