Update from the Forest Group

The Auroville Forest Group circulated a public message to the Auroville community and friends of Auroville about what the group has gone through and its plans for the future. It stated that the ecological integrity of a number of forests in Auroville has been compromised because of the imposition of the Crown Road, leading to forest destruction, watersheds disruption and the disturbance and annihilation of wildlife ranges. As of the first of June 2023, the group lost the forest worker/watch-person budget and all Aurovilian maintenances, equating to the tune of ₹1,87,200 per month, representing 39 Aurovilian forest stewards/caretakers/workers and 62 locally employed forest workers. The Auroville forester maintenances were replaced by “care packages” of ₹ 4,800 in-kind per month. For the locally employed forest workers, the budget cuts represent the loss of their means of livelihood, affecting them and whole families. A gratuity claim is being pursued with the GB FAMC to ensure the local forest workers receive the dues they are owed.

The Forest Group plans to continue to meet and discuss issues which concern all of them, not least to provide a sense of community and mutual support. But it remains to be seen how the situation on the ground evolves. It warned that forests that are not properly supervised will be easily encroached or be used for refuse dumping, while unrestrained tree cutting and overgrazing will increase. Moreover, such forests will be prone to land speculation.

Thanking those who have provided support over the last couple of years, the Forest Group reiterated that community support and funds will be needed for the continued maintenance of the forested areas of Auroville. For more information contact [email protected].