SHIMLA/KEYLONG: The triblas  of snowbound Lahaul-Spiti have erupted in protest over a recent notification issued by the HP Town and Country Planning Department. The notification declares a new Atal Tunnel Planning Area, encompassing six panchayats of Chandra Valley in Lahaul-Spiti district.

Taking their stand at the entrance of the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) barrier, the tribal community demanded an immediate withdrawal of the notification, asserting it violated the Forest Rights Act, PESA, and other tribal laws.

The government's scant regard to conduct public hearings and obtain NOCs from the Gram Sabhas of the affected panchayats have added fuel to their anger.

Led by Anuradha Rana, the Chairperson of Zilla Parishad in Lahaul-Spiti, they charged that the notification is the  blatant disregard for tribal laws, traditions, and customs in the government's notification.

They argued that the notification, issued on June 28th, 2023, had breached the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, PESA, and other tribal laws, endangering their heritage and well-being.

The protestors raised  the issue of  funds collected by SADA, questioning the whereabouts of the vast sums while heaps of garbage continue to pollute the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in the valley.

Referring to recent devastating flash floods in Kullu and Manali, they blamed the Town and Country Planning authorities for their failure to regulate construction along riverbanks, accusing them of colluding with offenders.

Expressing deep concerns, the tribal community fears that the Atal Tunnel Planning Area will pave the way for construction mafias and enable the spread of their influence into their sacred lands—an outcome they vow to resist.

Anuradha Rana, Chairman of Zilla Parishad, criticized the installation of the SADA barrier in Sissu, disputing its legitimacy as a planning area.

Instead, she asserted that the SADA (Special Area Development Authority) should have been established in Keylong town, the district headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti, thus reflecting the tribal community's interests.

Pointing to the specifics of the notification, which designates the Atal Planning Area along the Tandi Bridge and National Highway 03, the tribal community argues that their rights, safeguarded by the Indian Constitution, have been demolished without any prior consultation or public hearing.

Determined to protect their tribal rights, the protestors have pledged to continue their demonstrations until the controversial notification is withdrawn in the best interests of the Lahaul-Spiti tribal community.