Legal Requirements

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, areas free of human settlements can be created in the core of tiger reserves.

It must be done after recognizing the rights of tribal communities under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 and obtaining informed consent of the Gram Sabha concerned.

Procedural Requirements (Voluntary Village Relocation Program (VVRP) of NTCA)

The state government should consult with ecological and social scientists, that the activities or presence of tribal communities/forest dwellers are sufficient to cause irreversible damage to tigers and their habitat.

The state government concluded there is no other reasonable option for the community to coexist with tigers.

Compensation

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) raised the relocation compensation from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh per family in 2021.

Relocated families receive two hectares of land, homestead land, house construction assistance, a financial incentive, and basic amenities such as water, sanitation, electricity, and telecommunication.

Arguments Surrounding Village Relocations from Tiger Reserves

The NTCA advised state forest departments to prioritize the relocation of villages from core tiger habitats across 54 tiger reserves, prompting pushback from over 150 tribal rights groups and activists.

NCST's Position on NTCA Advisory

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) requested an update from NTCA on village relocations and adherence to NCST’s prior recommendations.

NCST seeks an action-taken report from the Union Environment Ministry and NTCA on its 2018 recommendations, ensuring that compensation packages align with the 2013 Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act guidelines and entitlements.

Constitutional Status

It is a Statutory Body.

Ministry

Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

Established

The Prime Minister of India established the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to streamline the management of Project Tiger and numerous Tiger Reserves in India in 2005.

Legislation

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Objectives

• Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger for legal compliance.
• Promoting Center-State accountability in Tiger Reserve management through MoU within a federal structure.
• Oversight by Parliament.
• Addressing livelihood interests of local people around Tiger Reserves.

Composition

• Chairperson: Minister in charge of MoEFCC
• Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State in MoEFCC
• Members: Three Members of Parliament, the Secretary (MoEFCC), and other designated members.

Key Initiative

Project Tiger, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for in-situ conservation of tigers, launched on April 1, 1973.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Village relocation from tiger reserves is a controversial issue balancing wildlife conservation and tribal rights. Critically examine the legal and socio-economic aspects of village relocations from critical tiger habitats. Also, discuss the role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in this context. (250 words)