3,000 residents in Rajasthan's Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve await relocation
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
Nearly four years after the notification of Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) in Rajasthan, around 3,000 residents of eight villages in its core area still await relocation. The process is delayed due to land availability and budget constraints, highlighting challenges in balancing tiger conservation with human displacement.
Background
RVTR was declared India's 52nd and Rajasthan's 4th tiger reserve in May 2022. It covers 1501.89 sq km, with a core area of 481.90 sq km. The forest department initiated voluntary relocation of villages in the core zone, offering compensation packages.
Key facts
Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) was notified in May 2022 as India's 52nd and Rajasthan's 4th tiger reserve.
The reserve spans 1501.89 sq km, with a core area of 481.90 sq km.
Eight revenue villages with nearly 3,000 residents are located inside the critical core zone.
In the first phase, three buffer zone villages (Gulkhedi, Bherupura Antri, Bheemganj) were notified for relocation.
In Gulkhedi, 70% of families have vacated; 213 out of 215 families have chosen compensation and started moving.
In Bherupura, 150 out of 264 families received the first instalment of ₹3 lakh; second instalment pending due to state budget.
Three voluntary compensation models: Cash Package (₹15 lakh), Land Package (alternative agricultural land), DLC Package (for non-resident landholders).
The department proposed de-reservation of 244 hectares in Keshavpura forest block for relocation; first-stage clearance received.
Relocation for Keshavpura, Bhimganj, Haripura, and Javora ki Jhopriya is planned for subsequent phases.
Prelims pointers
- Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR) - Rajasthan's 4th tiger reserve, India's 52nd.
- Core area: 481.90 sq km; total area: 1501.89 sq km.
- Voluntary relocation compensation: Cash Package ₹15 lakh, Land Package, DLC Package.
- De-reservation of forest land requires central government clearance.
- Related schemes: Project Tiger, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Mains angles
- GS3 Environment: Tiger conservation vs. human displacement - examine challenges of voluntary relocation in core areas.
- GS2 Polity & Governance: Role of state and central governments in forest land de-reservation and rehabilitation.
- GS3 Economy: Cost-benefit analysis of compensation packages for displaced families.