Rajasthan Government Assures No Forced Relocation of Villagers in Dholpur-Karauli Tiger Reserve
In a significant announcement during the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday, Forest and Environment Minister Sanjay Sharma provided crucial clarifications regarding the status of villages located within the Dholpur–Karauli Tiger Reserve (DTR). The minister firmly stated that residents of these villages will not be displaced without their explicit consent, addressing growing concerns about potential forced relocations.
Voluntary Relocation and Compensation Framework
Responding to questions during the Question Hour, Minister Sharma emphasized the government's commitment to voluntary principles. "Villagers living in areas under the DTR will not be relocated without their willingness," he declared. He further clarified the compensation framework, noting that "if any villager is cultivating barren land falling within the reserve area, there is no provision for compensation under departmental rules for such cultivation."
Sharma provided detailed information about the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) in Dholpur–Karauli, explaining that it was notified in compliance with Supreme Court directives. "A committee was constituted as per the apex court's order, its report was submitted to the Supreme Court, and only thereafter was CTH notified," he informed the Assembly.
In a written reply to the original question, the minister confirmed that "the process of voluntary relocation of villages falling under the Critical Tiger Habitat in Dholpur–Karauli is not yet initiated." He assured that if voluntary relocation occurs in the future, compensation would be provided according to state government orders and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines.
Enhanced Compensation for Human-Wildlife Conflict Fatalities
The minister addressed the critical issue of human-wildlife conflict, revealing important policy developments. He stated that the state government currently provides financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to families of those killed in such incidents, as per a 2022 order.
Sharma shared that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has demonstrated particular sensitivity toward these tragic events and has considered doubling this compensation amount. "Necessary amendments to the rules are being made, and once revised, Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of those killed in human-wildlife conflict," he announced, highlighting the government's progressive approach to victim support.
Legislative Context and Additional Conservation Updates
The minister's statements came in response to supplementary questions raised by BSP MLA Jaswant Singh Gurjar, reflecting active legislative engagement with conservation issues. Beyond the Dholpur-Karauli situation, Sharma also provided updates on other conservation matters.
He informed the House about a recent incident in Sariska Tiger Reserve, where "in a conflict between two tigresses in Sariska, one tigress died due to injuries." This disclosure underscores the ongoing challenges in tiger conservation and habitat management across Rajasthan's protected areas.
The comprehensive statements by Minister Sharma demonstrate the Rajasthan government's balanced approach to tiger conservation, attempting to harmonize ecological protection with community rights and welfare. The assurance against forced relocation represents a significant policy position that could influence conservation approaches in other tiger reserves across India.
