Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context
- Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs released a new policy framework on relocation of forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves.
- Aims to address concerns over non-implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 within protected areas.
Key Features of Policy Brief
- Relocation must be the last resort and only after recognizing forest rights.
- Allows forest dwellers to continue living inside tiger reserves under FRA.
- Ensures communities’ involvement in conservation and biodiversity management.
Policy Framework Components
- Document titled: “Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights: A Policy Framework for Relocation and Co-existence in India’s Tiger Reserves.”
- Proposes a National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation with shared responsibility between Environment Ministry and Tribal Affairs Ministry.
- Suggests creation of NDCCI – National Database on Conservation-Community Interface to track relocation and compensation.
- Requires annual independent audits ensuring compliance with FRA, Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), and human rights norms.
- Consent for relocation must be verified at Gram Sabha and household levels.
Reason for Policy
- Triggered by June 2024 NTCA directive prioritizing relocations, causing protests.
- Since Jan 2022: 5,166 families from 56 villages relocated across seven States.
- 591 villages and 64,801 families still reside in core tiger reserve areas.
- Representations indicated FRA was not implemented inside tiger reserves.
Significance
- Ensures relocations are voluntary, rights-compliant, and based on scientific necessity.
- Strengthens oversight of implementation and protects tribal dignity and equity.