Tribal Families of Lailai Panchayat Launch Agitation Seeking Forest Land Pattas

Bhagabat.Padhi,Odishabara

Paralakhemundi, 19/09/2026: Around 85 tribal families from Sanoloba village under Lailai Gram Panchayat of Rayagada Block in Gajapati district have launched an agitation in front of the Gajapati Collectorate, demanding recognition of their rights over forest land and issuance of forest land pattas.

The villagers said they have been struggling for years to secure legitimate resource and livelihood rights over the forest land on which their families have traditionally depended. With limited availability of cultivable plain land, many families are dependent on shifting cultivation, which, they said, does not provide adequate food security throughout the year.

According to the agitating villagers, lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities has compelled many members of the community to migrate to other places in search of work. They claimed that migrant labourers often receive low wages and face difficult working and living conditions, adding to the economic hardship of their families back home.

The villagers also expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as inadequate convergence of government welfare and livelihood schemes. They said the area’s horticultural and other natural resources could potentially provide sustainable livelihood opportunities if properly developed and supported through appropriate government interventions.

The protesters have urged the district administration to examine their claims regarding forest land rights and take appropriate steps to ensure sustainable livelihood opportunities for the affected tribal families.

This version keeps the villagers’ allegations clearly attributed while making the report more concise, factual and suitable for publication.