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)
