BJP MP Accuses Forest Department of Selective Implementation of Rules
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Mansukh Vasava has launched a sharp criticism against the forest department. He claims the department applies different standards when dealing with development projects in tribal areas compared to those near the Statue of Unity.
The controversy erupted during a recent Sankalan Samiti meeting in Narmada district. This monthly coordination committee brings together district administration officials and elected representatives.
Bridge Construction Halted Despite PM's Foundation Stone
At the heart of the dispute are three bridges in Dediapada taluka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid their foundation stone during his November visit to the area.
"These bridges were in terrible condition," Vasava explained. "They desperately need reconstruction to help tribal communities travel safely. The renovation requires creating a diversion through nearby forest land."
The MP revealed that work had begun on these Rs 29 crore projects following the Prime Minister's involvement. However, forest department officials recently took drastic action.
"They seized all machinery, vehicles, and equipment from the contractor," Vasava stated. "They even filed a police complaint against him just two weeks ago."
Allegations of Favoritism Toward Statue of Unity Projects
Vasava pointed to what he calls clear double standards. "When projects concern the Statue of Unity area, permissions come almost overnight," he alleged. "The same forest laws apply there, but implementation seems completely different."
The veteran parliamentarian provided a specific example. He mentioned a 10-kilometer tar road constructed from Gora village to the Zarwani eco-tourism site. This road forms part of the Statue of Unity tourism circuit and connects to Dediapada.
"The forest department raised no objections to that project," Vasava noted. "Yet they're obstructing essential bridges and interior roads that would benefit remote tribal villages."
Besides the three bridges, several road projects face similar obstacles according to the MP. These include routes like Phulsar-Duthar, Kham Gadhda, and Dediapada-Chikdha. All received foundation stones from the Prime Minister during the same visit.
Official Response and Counterarguments
Road and Bridges Department officials confirmed the approval for reconstructing the three dilapidated bridges. They explained these old structures, dating back to before 1980, will be replaced with wider bridges suitable for modern vehicles.
"The forest department stopped the contractor's work and seized his machinery," an executive engineer acknowledged. "We will restart the work after obtaining proper forest department approvals."
Forest officials defended their actions when contacted. They stated the administration had not obtained necessary permissions before beginning diversion work for bridge reconstruction.
A senior forest official rejected the double standards allegation. "For Statue of Unity and related development, permissions followed proper procedures," the official clarified. "If relevant departments submit proper applications, we will consider them according to the law."
Political Unity on Tribal Development Issue
Interestingly, this issue has brought together political rivals. Aam Aadmi Party MLA Chaitar Vasava joined the BJP MP in criticizing the forest department's approach.
Chaitar revealed that 5,360 applications currently sit pending with the forest department. He urged immediate restart of suspended development works for tribal community benefits.
Mansukh Vasava plans to escalate the matter. "I will write to Prime Minister Modi about this situation," he announced. "Newly appointed forest officers show no understanding of tribal issues. They behave in a high-handed manner."
The MP emphasized the human cost of delayed development. "Without proper roads, tribal areas cannot access healthcare and education," he stressed. "Teachers and health officers simply cannot reach these remote villages."
The Sankalan Samiti meeting thus highlighted growing tensions between development priorities and regulatory compliance in Gujarat's tribal regions.
