KOCHI: Geetha Vazhachal comes in the illustrious line of tribal women leaders like Mayilamma, who have stood up against the powers of the ‘modern’ world.
Thirty-year-old Geetha, who is the chieftain of the settlement of Kadar Tribes people living in the Vazhachal- Athirapally forests in Chalakudy river in Thrissur, had led the community’s resistance against the Athirampally Hydro Electric Project proposed by the Kerala government and cleared by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
Geetha brought together 72 families of Vazhachal and 28 families of Pokalappara under a banner that resisted the project which could gravely endanger their way of life and destroy the flora and fauna of the region.
“If the project is implemented, close to 100 families will be affected. Our homes will be submerged. Moreover, the biodiversity will be adversely affected. In our tribal lifestyle, we live in harmony with the trees and animals that inhabit our surroundings. The project will disrupt that,” says Geetha.
She said that the tribal community is proud to be granted the Forest Community Rights which is a Constitutional right of the tribals which ensures a life in harmony with the forest and rivers. In order to proclaim it, the members of the Kadar community came together on March 13, 2016 to tie bamboo friendship bands, written in the native language of the Kadars, around the trees.
“We expected only around 500 people for the initiative. But the turnout far exceeded our expectations. For weeks, we painted and wrote on the bamboo pieces that we made for this special event,” adds Geetha.
Honouring the struggles spearheaded by the young woman, the nineteenth P V Thampy Memorial Award was given to Geetha at function in Kochi on Wednesday.
“I am extremely happy and thankful to the people who selected me for the award. This award will give an impetus to our struggles and, hopefully, help the movement get the attention it deserves,” she said.