Patalkot is a deep valley on the way to Chhindwara from Bhopal. Bring yourself to a halt at Tamia from where Chhindwara remains only 58 kms. From Tamia, keep your journey on till you reach Bijouri a village 4-5 km away from Tamia. Turn left and again travel up to 16 kms. You will reach Patalkot valley. Patalkot valley (http://patalkot.tripod.com) remains on its high allure and gorgeousness during the rains. Monsoon is a wonderful time to visit this place. You will be sheltered with clouds all around.
Tribals in Patalkot are reliant upon the forest turn out. They cultivate their own crop. They still carry out the traditional system of curing. Out of 24 village and 12-14 hamlets in the valley, only 3 or 4 villages are in developing stage. They have electricity, primary level school and a small health clinic (No doubt! doctor is never accessible there). This development might have done due to the hard work by Government and few NGOs, still, I suspect where the all money/ fund have gone? Lots of fund has been made available for the betterment of these tribals (One can see it in local new papers and other media) but whereabouts of the fund is still a BIG QUESTION. Tribal folks in Patalkot are still stressed for their better endurance.
They collect 5 kg of Mahua flowers and sell it in Rs 2-4 per Kg. That’s enough they earn per day. Water scarcity is a major problem in summer. Families walk out of the valley for earning money; it’s called as “Chaitua Palayan” (http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Acharya13.html). This valley remains silent during the Palayan. No tribal folk songs; no traditional Haat (bazaar); no cultural events; nothing. On the economical point of view, Patalkot is having rich forest wealth but due to the lack of communication with Government and also non-availability of proper market, tribals have to move away for earning. This makes valley omitted all customs and diversity.
I came across various problems of the tribals during my work in the valley. Deforestation was on high, there was none to act promptly. I acted quickly for their moral rights and forest conservation of the regions. I raised issues related to tribal migration, deforestation, medicinal plant uprooting, brokers and so many on various national and international magazines (http://dracharya.tripod.com/journal/). I have been trying my level best to uplift the life of tribals in remote areas of the valley. Biodiversity of this region is threatening and there is greater need to take immediate initiatives so that the culture and rare plants of the region are saved. I am always seeking help from national and international core groups but failed all the time.
Radio songs are blaring in the valley, is this development? Government is planning to make this place a tourist spot but it’s not such an easy job. First of all, social and economic viabilities of tribals should be taken in order to manage. Making it an Eco-Tourism spot may create a problem. There are several other issues on which Government has to think upon before implementing any of such schemes. Their culture should not be killed or spoiled. Biotic pressure should not affect their life style and culture. It should be rather reduced. Forest laws and governance should act properly and promptly to avoid interference of so called Forest Mafias. It’s real a matter to worry and to think upon. I feel disgusted at times. Tribals have been cheated a lot by the politicians, policy makers, educational institutes, Scientists, NGOs and last but not least the forest related brokers. The tribals of the valley regions are well versed in treating various types of human disorder or ailments. I have documented their indigenous knowledge extensively so that the knowledge is preserved and will be beneficial for the modern science and upcoming generation for future references. Right now, I am involved in validation and value addition of their indigenous knowledge.
I urge people to come forward and save this beautiful valley and culture of the people.
I am also willing to write something about the PEOPLE OF PATALKOT. I have written a lot about Patalkot but never wrote any article on the life style of the tribals…better next time...
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