Minister Shah Visits Khivni on Foot, Returns in Trolley: Action Taken After Bulldozing of Tribal Homes Sparks Outrage

The demolition, carried out by the Forest Department on June 23, triggered strong backlash from tribal communities and political leaders. The incident occurred within the Khivni Wildlife Sanctuary zone, which falls under Sehore forest division. The bulldozing operation, citing encroachment, was carried out despite the monsoon season—something political critics argue violates norms meant to protect residents from displacement during extreme weather.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Intervenes

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with the affected tribal families and later took them to the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhopal. Also present during the meeting were Budhni MLA Ramakant Bhargav and several community leaders from Khategaon and Ichhawar.

Acting swiftly, CM Dr. Mohan Yadav ordered the transfer of Sehore DFO Magan Singh Dabar, replacing him with Archana Patel. The CM emphasized accountability and assured the victims of government support.

Minister Shah Walks the Talk

Vijay Shah, who had just returned from an out-of-state visit, landed in Indore and went straight to Khivni, navigating through unmotorable paths with government officials and local representatives. After meeting families who had lost their homes, he returned seated in a tractor trolley with his team — a symbolic gesture that contrasted sharply with the bureaucratic indifference alleged in the original demolition.

“This Government Stands With the Poor” — CM Yadav

Taking to social platform X, CM Yadav wrote, “Our government stands with the poor. Today, in the presence of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, we met the tribal citizens affected by the Forest Department’s actions in Khivni. Their grievances were heard and directives have been issued for investigation and strict action against the responsible officials.”

Political Backlash Grows

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar condemned the demolitions, stating that evictions during the monsoon violate humanitarian and legal standards. In a sharp jab at Chouhan, Singhar posted on X, “Will Shivraj ji speak up now as tribal homes are destroyed in his own constituency, or will his tribal love remain confined to speeches?”

Tribal Rights and Ancestral Land at Stake

Jay Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) leader and Manawar MLA Dr. Hiralal Alawa also weighed in, alleging that the Forest Department is systematically displacing indigenous communities from lands they have inhabited for generations.

“Declaring Khivni a sanctuary shouldn’t mean erasing the people who belong to the land,” said Dr. Alawa. “This is less about forest conservation and more about uprooting tribals under the guise of protection.”

Khivni village residents have long relied on the forest for their livelihood, culture, and identity. The evictions have sparked protests and brought renewed attention to the fragile balance between conservation policies and tribal rights.