WII to assess core areas of tiger reserves for village relocation

New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) The Government today said it has directed the Wildlife Institute of India to assess the core areas of tiger reserves where village relocation has to be undertaken within a time frame.

Minister of State for Environment and Forest Namo Narayan Meena, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, said action has been initiated for developing a model involuntary village relocation/rehabilitation package through a professional agency.

He informed the lower House that Rs 65 crore were allocated during the current financial year towards funding the Centrally Sponsored Scemes of Project Tiger (CSSPT), which includes Central assistance for States towards relocation/rehabilitation of villages from Tiger Reserves.

Mr Meena said while measures have been taken for assessment of countrywide inviolate areas for wildlife and enhancement of the relocation package, funding support is being provided to States as per existing norms under the ongoing CSSPT.

The central assistance for village relocation/rehabilitation is based on proposals received from States to provide inviolate area for wild animals.

In response to another question, the Minister said the Government has issued guidelines to permit the entry of tourists in National Parks, particularly, tiger Reserves only in accordance with the carrying capacity of the Park.

He said the State governments have been requested not to permit tourists beyond the carrying capacity of the park.

UNI