The natural surroundings, i.e., the forests, land and water bodies are very much linked with the sustained existence of the tribals, who derive their livelihood through it. Accordingly, they are referred to as forest dwellers and the de facto possessors of the forests. Many tribal habitations are in the hilly and forest areas and they are dependent for majority of their activities on forests.
Forests and tribals share a symbiotic relationship with each other, which in no way be defied.

The entitlement of the tribals to the forests and land has undergone a sea change. There are ample instances of eviction, displacement and exploitation of the tribals that hints towards tribal-forest endangered relationship in the name of so called ‘Development’. The prolonged history of struggle of the common man and Adivasi upsrings for land rights and right to food, continue even in the present day life, though the modus operandi has changed, in the sense that the populace have now become more of organized, dialoguing with the Government functionary, which was far from imagination in the days of yore.

Entitlement to ones land and that too in the context of the forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers are of immense importance and relevance. Recognizing this need, it is high time that we take up this issue in prime importance in the light of the much-awaited Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, which is finally on the stands for some relief.