Principal Secretary Sonmani Bora highlights role of shared natural resources in tribal empowerment, environmental conservation, and policy development at Chhattisgarh Commons Convening
Published on: April 10, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Principal Secretary of the Tribal Development Department, Sonmani Bora, emphasized that commons — shared natural resources — play a crucial role in strengthening tribal communities and sustaining foundational livelihoods. He announced that a dedicated task force will soon be constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister to ensure coordinated implementation between the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act (FRA).
Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Chhattisgarh Commons Convening workshop, Bora stated that tribal communities share an inseparable bond with commons, which are central to water, forests, land, culture, environmental protection, and heritage preservation.
Experts’ Deliberations to Support Policy Making
Bora noted that findings emerging from expert discussions during the state commons convening would significantly contribute to future policy formulation. He stressed that effective governance depends on empowering local communities and involving them directly in policy implementation.
He added that the proposed task force aims to establish balanced coordination between PESA and FRA to ensure efficient execution of tribal welfare policies across the state.
The inaugural session of the commons dialogue placed strong emphasis on cultural and traditional perspectives. The event began with opening remarks by Padma Shri awardee Jageshwar Yadav, tribal leader Pandi Ram Mandavi, and Gaur Maria folk dance artist Laxmi Sori.
Two-Day Chhattisgarh Commons Convening Begins
The workshop, focused on governance and community protection of shared natural resources, is being held at the Tribal Research and Training Institute in Nava Raipur. The event is organized under the “Promise of Commons” initiative with support from the Tribal Development Department of the Chhattisgarh Government and multiple partner organizations.
More than 300 participants from Chhattisgarh and other states are attending the convening, including policy experts, Panchayat representatives, researchers, and community members working toward sustainable resource management.
Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel is scheduled to participate in a dialogue on tribal policy on April 10, while Tribal Development Minister Ramvichar Netam will attend the concluding session.
Commons Play Key Role in Cultural and Environmental Preservation
Highlighting the broader cultural dimension of commons, Bora announced plans to establish a dedicated studio aimed at documenting traditional folk songs, indigenous musical instruments, and cultural expressions. The proposed facility will focus on documentation, identification, and copyright protection of tribal heritage.
He emphasized that amid globalization and changing lifestyles, maintaining a balanced approach toward shared knowledge systems is essential for safeguarding heritage while meeting modern aspirations.
Collective Stewardship Crucial for Natural Resource Protection
The Principal Secretary described the convening as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration. Participants deliberated on nearly 70 lakh acres of land in Chhattisgarh classified as commons — including forests, grasslands, and water bodies that serve as lifelines for rural and tribal populations.
Experts during the first day of discussions underlined the importance of collective stewardship in protecting the state’s vast natural resources and ensuring sustainable community-led governance.
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