State to facilitate relocation of tribal people

To protect the big cat, the State will relocate hundreds of Adivasis and other forest-dwellers, who reside within core areas in Amarabad and Kawal tiger reserves. As per initial estimates, Adivasis and other forest inhabitants from about 24 village units will have to be relocated.

Telangana has issued orders to constitute State and district committees to facilitate the relocation. The phase-wise process could take more than a year, officials said. The decision to set up conservation councils was as per orders issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and in-charge Chief Wildlife Warden, Telangana. The process will be done as per the guidelines of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

As per orders issued by the government, both the district and State-level monitoring committee is expected to meet at least once a year to review the relocation process.

Relocation of inhabitants from core areas is mandated under Project Tiger, “As human presence within in the critical area could affect breeding and reproduction of tigers. It could also allow infiltration of external threats, including poachers.”

“The move should be smooth and mutually beneficial for both the communities. It is a time taken process and it has to be done systematically. However, Telangana has made the jump start and set up committees,” said Manjula Ratnam, a wildlife conservationist.

Among the members of the committee to look into relocation are non-governmental organisations, including Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, and World Wide Fund. Tribal Welfare Department too will be looking into relocation matters.

Phased relocation

The committees are expected to be set up within six months. “Among adivasis, who are to be relocated are Chenchus and Gonds. Some Lambadas will also have to be relocated,” an official from the Forest Department said.

The funding for the relocation process will have to come from Union Government. “Once funding reaches the State, relocation process will start within a few months,” the official added.

The Adivasis will have to be given inhabitable land to set up their homes.

The package also includes reimbursement in terms of direct funding. The government will now have to identify land for relocation and start the process, officials said.