Following the strong protest, labourers and forest staff stopped work and left the area. The dispute traces back to 2024, when the Forest Department conducted a Selection-cum-Improvement (ACI) coup cutting training session on November 21 in compartment number 1128 of the Tarai Mar jungle under Pasarkhet range.
During the earlier training, then Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Prabhat Mishra was present when a large group of Kolga villagers stormed the site. Claiming the forest belonged to their village, they objected to not being informed about the activity and raised several other allegations. The situation had escalated so much that forest officials had to seek police assistance.
Coup Cutting Had Been Suspended Earlier
After a tripartite discussion involving villagers, police and forest officials, the department had paused coup cutting due to continuing opposition. Nearly a year later, the Forest Department resumed the activity.
On Wednesday morning, around 40 labourers were deployed for the work across Gufa area, Bandha Patra, Dhondtikra and Mohanpur forests. However, a large group from Kolga mostly women entered the jungle and began protesting the renewed operations.
The intensity of the villagers’ anger left forest staff and workers alarmed, prompting them to retreat from the area.
Forest Department Awaiting Dialogue
Korba DFO Premalata Yadav said villagers stopping government work in this manner was not appropriate. She added that no formal complaint written or verbal has been submitted by the villagers so far. The department will review the matter and attempt a resolution after discussions, she assured.
