Sanavver Shafi

Sanavver Shafi is a dedicated freelance journalist based in Bhopal, India, renowned for his insightful reporting on the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by rural and tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh. His work has brought significant attention to the struggles of forest villagers in Berasia tehsil, who find themselves in bureaucratic limbo due to their settlements not being recognized as revenue villages. Despite owning land under the Forest Rights Act, these villagers lack access to basic amenities and welfare schemes, a plight that Shafi has consistently highlighted in his reporting.

In addition to his focus on human communities, Shafi has extensively covered the environmental impact of development in the region. He has reported on the alarming wildlife fatalities in Madhya Pradesh, particularly tigers, due to railway tracks, underscoring the ongoing conflict between development and conservation. His articles often critique the effectiveness of government spending on conservation efforts, as exemplified by the disappearance of the endangered Lesser Florican from the state's sanctuaries. Shafi's investigative work also delves into health crises in rural Bhopal, where illegal mining activities have led to severe respiratory diseases among villagers.

Shafi's journalism is marked by a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for their rights, and calling for systemic reforms in government policies and initiatives. His coverage of the financial distress faced by farmers due to poor-quality seeds and the challenges in accessing insurance claims further underscores his dedication to addressing the pressing issues faced by the underrepresented populations in India.