Spl strategy for tiger reserves affected by extremist activities

New Delhi, Jun 29 (UNI) The recent shocking disclosures by a Wildlife Institute of India (WII) study about the further fall in the number of the tigers have impelled the Government to fortify the of the big cat by taking various measures, including launching a special drive for filling up of all front line vacant posts in the wildlife reserves concerned.

A site specific redressal strategy will be developed for the tiger reserves which are affected by extremist activities. A Committee will be formed to suggest a solution for this problem.

In cases where there is major gap between sanctioned posts and the actual requirements, like the Namdapha tiger reserve, the sanctioned strength should be increased accordingly without lossing of any time.

These decisions were taken at the All India meeting of field directors from all the tiger states held by the newly constituted National Tiger Conservation Authority at Ranthambhore which concluded yesterday.

The meeting also resolved to complete relocation of villagers from crucial habitats in tiger reserves within two years.

The issue will form agenda for the forthcoming meeting of National Board for Wild Life.

The meeting adopted resolutions to consolidate and strengthen the resource populations of tiger in tiger reserves and protected areas.

The tiger authorities also stressed that eco-tourism with involvement of local people should be given priority.

The Ministry is of the view that large number of tourists will generate considerable revenue.

A portion of such funds may also be used for providing ecologically sustainable livelihood options to local people to reduce their dependency on the protected area resources.

The recent amendments in the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 2006 has made enabling provision for creating 'Tiger Conservation Foundation' in tiger reserves.

All the staff members and others who are deployed in front line areas will be given proper facilities and special provision for free ration, medical facilities and insurance cover.

Relocation of villagers from crucial habitats in tiger reserves will be concluded within two years with settlement of rights.

The compensation pattern and the simplified procedure as being practiced in the States of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, will be followed.

Villagers also will be compensated for crop damage caused due to recurrent depredations by wide herbivores. Corridor beyond buffer between two source tiger population will be managed.

Wherever relocation of human population is proposed on forest lands outside protected areas, the provision of modification /acquisition of rights on such forest lands will be made. Relocation can be done either on forest land, or on revenue land or a cash compensation may be given.

UNI