Text of Billy's
letter to the Editor, Indian Express
Sir,
I was taken
aback to see in your paper of 07-12-07 a report which described me
as a ‘land-grabber’, in unauthorized possession of Uttar Pradesh
Forest Department land in Dudhwa.
For the past 50
years I have farmed here in Tiger Haven at the edge of the Dudhwa
Reserve Forest, with the full knowledge of the Forest Department,
which has never leveled any such charges. At this stage of my
life, when I am 90 years, it is shameful that such baseless
allegations should be made by some unknown party, and be
publicized through your newspaper.
My life’s work
has been to defend our rapidly vanishing wildlife and environment,
and I have campaigned for decades for Dudhwa National Park, and
the cause of the Tiger – our national animal and wildlife
flagship.
It is
gratifying that my efforts have received recognition, and drawn
many people, both in India and abroad, into the conservation
effort.
It would be
extremely unfortunate if false charges, like those publicized by
you should be permitted to weaken the cause of saving wildlife,
which is today more urgent than ever.
Let me reaffirm
that I make no claim on any land that is not legitimately mine. If
there are any issues between Tiger Haven and the Forest
Department, these can readily be settled on the basis of available
records. The property in my name will be left in Trust to the
Tiger haven Society, a non-profit NGO which will be the
beneficiary, and will continue the work in which I have been
engaged throughout. No one will profit from my property except
wildlife.
Yours truly,
(ARJAN SINGH)