Project Tiger To Displace 5.50 Lakh Tribals: Report

On International Tiger Day, a report titled "India's Tiger Reserves: Tribals Get Out, Tourists Welcome” reveals significant concerns regarding the displacement of indigenous communities and the impact of conservation measures on local populations and wildlife.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Massive Displacement of Tribals: The report estimates that approximately 5,50,000 Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers have been displaced due to the creation and expansion of Tiger Reserves.
• Breakdown:
  • Pre-2021: 2,54,794 persons were displaced from 50 Tiger Reserves up to 2017.
  • Post-2021: An additional 2,90,000 persons are projected to be displaced from six new Tiger Reserves created after 2021.
• Increase in Displacement: The report highlights a dramatic 967% increase in displacement per Tiger Reserve in the post-2021 period compared to previous years.
• Impact of Displacement:
  • Loss of Livelihood: Displaced communities often lose access to traditional resources such as hunting grounds, fishing areas, and sacred sites.
  • Human Rights Violations: The report details severe human rights violations, including forced evictions, destruction of homes, and legal abuses against those resisting displacement.
• Criticism of Conservation Practices:
  • Non-Compliance: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticized non-compliance with the Forest Rights Act and the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, particularly regarding the forced relocation of tribes without proper consent.
  • Uncontrolled Activities: The report notes uncontrolled commercial and eco-tourism activities within Tiger Reserves, including the establishment of petrol pumps, rest houses, and resorts. These activities often contribute to tiger deaths through electrocution and other hazards.
• Specific Cases and Statistics (Major Tiger Reserves Impacted)
  • Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu): About 4,000 people.
  • Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan): Approximately 4,400 persons.
  • Ranipur Tiger Reserve (Uttar Pradesh): Around 45,000 persons.
  • Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh): At least 72,772 persons.
  • Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan): About 4,000 persons.
  • Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan): Around 160,000 persons.