The Karnataka Forest Department has initiated a major statewide mission to identify and document every village situated within the boundaries of the state's 51 reserve forests. This move aims to facilitate the voluntary relocation of residents to revenue lands, enhancing both community welfare and wildlife conservation.
Following Supreme Court Directives for Conservation
This comprehensive drive follows directives from the Supreme Court, which emphasize voluntary relocation to protect wildlife and preserve green cover. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has explicitly instructed officials to ensure no family is forced to move against their will. The initiative was a key topic at a recent departmental meeting held in Belagavi.
Minister Khandre directed officials to gather detailed data on villages and households spread across a vast 26,000 square kilometers of reserve forest area. He highlighted the significant risks of living in these remote zones. "It is extremely dangerous to remain within reserve forests where health services and basic infrastructure are minimal. We are urging families to relocate," Khandre stated.
Financial Incentive and a Proven Model
The data collection will be followed by physical verification. Officials will then approach families to encourage them to move. Under the scheme, every adult member of a relocating family will receive Rs 15 lakh directly in their bank account as support.
The minister pointed to the Bheemgad forest relocation initiative as a successful model for the state. "Our efforts in Bheemgad resulted in the relocation of 27 families. Sustained awareness campaigns have strengthened outreach to families in remote areas. A similar approach has also yielded positive results in Kudremukh National Park," he explained.
Access to essential services like healthcare and education is being presented as the primary incentive for families considering the move. The department is also looking to identify educated individuals within these forest communities to act as liaisons between village elders and the government.
Scale, Cost, and Preserving Culture
The scale of the task is substantial. Officials noted that in Kudremukh National Park alone, 1,840 families reside within the reserve, with 130 already relocated. The Bheemgad forest area contains 13 villages. The estimated cost for relocation in just these two regions is a staggering Rs 300 crore.
Beyond relocation, the department is considering innovative measures to preserve community identity. One concept is the "recreation" of forest dwellings outside the reserves to maintain cultural heritage. Officials have warned that without voluntary relocation, these unique communities risk gradual disappearance due to the harsh living conditions and lack of amenities.
This mission represents a critical balancing act for Karnataka: protecting its fragile forest ecosystems while ensuring the safety, health, and future of the people who currently call these reserves home.
