Critical ‘tiger’ habitats (CTHs), also known as Core Areas of Tiger reserves—are identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972 based on scientific evidence that “such areas are required to be kept as inviolate for the purpose of tiger conservation, without affecting the rights of the Scheduled Tribes or such other forest dwellers”. .
The notification of CTH is done by the state government in consultation with the expert committee constituted for the purpose.
‘Inviolate’ is a general term used to indicate no human settlement and usage. This inevitably implies that establishing CTHs as inviolate areas requires relocation of people living in such areas.
However, the Section 38V (5) of WLPA, 1972 clearly states: “no Scheduled Tribes or other forest dwellers shall be resettled or have their rights adversely affected for the purpose of creating inviolate areas for tiger conservation unless the process of recognition and determination of rights and acquisition of land or forest rights of the Scheduled Tribes and such other forest-dwelling persons is complete”.
Under the revised Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger (2008), two options have been given to people:
Option-I: Payment of Rs. 10 lakhs per family in case the family opts so, without any rehabilitation/relocation process by the Forest Department.
Option-II: Carrying out relocation/rehabilitation by the Forest Department with the following per family norms out of Rs. 10 lakhs:
Agricultural land procurement (2 ha.) and development – 35% of the total package
Settlement of rights – 30% of the total package o Homestead land and house construction – 20% of the total package
Incentive – 5% of the total package
Community facilities (access road, irrigation, drinking water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunication, community centre, places of worship, cremation ground) – 10% of the total package
The cash option has been provided for catering to people who are not interested in resettlement and are prepared to establish themselves elsewhere under ‘mutually agreed terms and conditions’, as indicated in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Ishu
Critical Tiger Habitat: