The correct answer is: A) Illegal transfer of tribal land.
Land alienation is the process by which tribal people lose control of their land. This can happen through a number of ways, including:
- Illegal land transfers: This is the most common way that tribal land is alienated. It can happen through fraud, coercion, or misrepresentation.
- Government acquisition: The government can acquire tribal land for development projects, such as dams, mines, or roads.
- Conversion to non-agricultural use: Tribal land can be converted to non-agricultural use, such as for commercial or industrial development.
- Fragmentation of landholdings: Tribal landholdings can become fragmented over time, as they are divided among heirs. This can make it difficult for tribal people to maintain their land.
Land alienation has a number of negative consequences for tribal people. It can lead to loss of livelihood, displacement, and social and economic marginalization. It can also undermine tribal culture and identity.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of land alienation. These include:
- Strengthening land rights: Tribal people need to have secure land rights, which can be achieved through legislation and policy reform.
- Providing legal assistance: Tribal people need access to legal assistance to help them protect their land rights.
- Promoting awareness: Tribal people need to be aware of their land rights and the threats to those rights.
- Building capacity: Tribal people need to be empowered to manage and protect their land.
Land alienation is a complex issue, but it is one that needs to be addressed. By taking steps to strengthen land rights, provide legal assistance, promote awareness, and build capacity, we can help to ensure that tribal people can maintain their land and livelihoods.
The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the process of land alienation. Option B, conversion of agricultural land for other uses, is a type of land alienation, but it is not the only type. Option C, fragmentation of landholdings, can be a result of land alienation, but it is not the same thing. Option D, soil degradation, is a problem that can affect any type of land, not just land that is owned by tribal people.