Author(s)
Ms. Anusree P A
- ISSN (P): 3139-8464
- Manuscript ID: 141015
- Volume: 2
- Issue: 9
- Pages: 202–209
Subject Area: Arts and Humanities
Abstract
Tracing the Kadars' heritage and environmental activism, this study synthesizes secondary records, colonial gazetteers, legal statutes, and primary interviews conducted in January 2016 with key Kadar leaders, including Geetha Vazhachal, chieftain ('Oorumuppathy') of the Vazhachal settlement.
The enactment of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (FRA), empowered Kadar Gram Sabhas to understand their customary rights, leading them to successfully pass official resolutions against the proposed 163-MW Athirappilly Hydroelectric Project to preserve riverine ecology and hornbill nesting habitats. This highlights their active role in environmental protection.