If you're journeying from Kerala to Karnataka through the Bandipur region, chances are you've encountered Bomman. Bomman served as an Adivasi forest watch, a guardian aiding the forest department in safeguarding wildlife from poachers. The forest department regularly employs members of the Adivasi community as forest guards, entrusting them with a range of responsibilities, including preserving forests, testing electric fencing, digging trenches, monitoring tourist activities at forest tourism spots and waterfalls, reporting on illegal wood trade, and more. Bomman most likely fulfilled one of these roles. Although I personally haven't had the chance to meet Bomman, my time spent working in Wayanad has acquainted me with many individuals from these communities.
In the vicinity of forested areas, the local populace, particularly farmers, has a contentious relationship with animals, particularly wild boars, deer, bison, and monkeys. Farmers are often adversely affected by these creatures, with their greatest concerns revolving around elephants and tigers. Sightings of these animals become significant events, requiring substantial efforts from the forest department to alleviate the local fears. Despite apprehensions regarding the severe consequences imposed by the forest department for harming animals, the routine hunting of wild boars, bison, deer, and smaller animals is commonplace among the forest-dwelling people. Tragically, many animals meet their end caught in unregulated electric fencing that the community disposes of clandestinely. In these matters, there is a notable lack of trust, even among neighbors. The legal penalties for such actions are severe, and people are understandably apprehensive, especially when it comes to forest animals, including their primary adversaries—the mischievous macaque monkeys.
In contrast to the concerns of farmers and settlers living near the forest, the Adivasis do not share the same anxieties about these animals. They often reside without the security of electric fencing and regularly hunt birds and animals, often without the knowledge of the forest department. Moreover, they have a designated period of three days to one week when they are legally permitted to hunt specific species, particularly wild boars. Despite this hunting, they possess a deep affection for these animals and their forest environment. They exhibit respect and reverence for their natural habitat. Conversations with members of these communities often yield captivating stories of their encounters with animals, which, unlike the experiences of the farmers and settlers near the forest, they don't consider conflicts but rather cherish as unique natural adventures.
While these encounters typically do not lead to fatalities, occasionally, individuals like Bomman face unfortunate accidents. Bomman, in the course of his duty to protect animals from poachers, tragically lost his life to an elephant. The government acknowledged his sacrifice by granting his family a sum of 15 lakh rupees, although such instances are infrequent. More commonly, members of these communities lose their lives due to the actions of mining operators, the illegal timber trade, poachers, and alcohol brought into their communities by outsiders. In contrast to the rest of the Indian communities, which grapple with the challenges of population growth, the Adivasi communities are confronting the pressing issues of diminishing numbers and the erosion of their cultural heritage.
Bomman, stands as a poignant symbol of this intricate coexistence between Adivasi communities and the wildlife-rich forests they inhabit.
Bomman, oil on laminated paper board.
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