Ex-dacoits turn forest protectors

Once they ruled the ravines of Chambal. The proverbial single leaf did not move without their permission. But that was almost two decades ago. Having given up arms long ago and living a peaceful life, these ex-dacoits who preferred to call themselves baghi (rebels) have now turned into protectors of the same forests that were once their safe heavens.

It was a rare occasion when many of these dreaded dacoits, whose mere mention was enough to send chills down the spine, were present altogether in Jaipur on Sunday. As part of a campaign Pehle Basaya Beehad, Ab Bachayenge Beehad (Once we lived in forests — Now we will save forests) to save forests, they took a pledge to create awareness among people.

From Mohar Singh, who ruled the Chambal in 60s and 70s to Malkhan Singh, the most feared name in the 80s, to Seema Parihar and Renu Yadav, the ladies who in the 90s commanded equal terror and awe as their male counterparts and to some others of lesser renown like Pancham Singh, Munna Singh, Saru Singh, Hari Singh and the real Gabbar Singh, all took oaths to revive the Chambal forests that have lost their green cover in the past two decades.

These former dacoits will be seen appealing to the people and the government to take concrete steps to save the environment and the forests. They handed over a memorandum to chief guest and BJP MP from Jaipur, Ramcharan Bohra, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union forest and environment minister. They have opposed flattening of ravines, instead suggesting dense forestation and development of sanctuary while asking the government to attach ex-dacoits as van mitra (friends of forest) for this purpose. They have also asked for protection of rivers, river falls and streams and development of them as tourist centres.

“We have lived the better part of our lives in forests. We know about forests more than anyone else,” said Seema Parihar. According to her, the government has vast resources at its disposal including a huge army of officials and employees, yet is unable to prevent cutting down trees in Chambal. “I would request them to give this responsibility to us and we promise to show results in six months,” she said.

“Under the watch of certain politicians, trees are being cut rampantly and illegal (sand) mining is being carried out. This has to stop,” said Gabbar Singh. Meanwhile the youngest of them all at 28, Renu Yadav, who spent more than seven years in jail, urged people to plant trees. The event was organised by Shree Kalptaru Sansthan, run by Javed Kagzi and Vishnu Lamba, who described it as a unique initiative. “I went to Muraina, Bhind, Jhansi, Auraiya and some places in Rajasthan to meet them. I met 22 ex-dacoits in the course of this programme, which took almost a year,” Lamba said.