Draft protocol for voluntary village relocation in notified core/critical tiger habitats of tiger reserves

These guidelines released by MoEF for voluntary village relocation in notified core critical tiger habitats of tiger reserves aim to ensure that in the process of conservation and protection of tigers, the rights of forest dwellers are respected.

The Ministry has released a draft protocol /guidelines for voluntary village relocation in notified core critical tiger habitats of tiger reserves. The purpose of these guidelines is to facilitate the State implementing agencies in carrying out voluntary relocation/rehabilitation from notified core/critical tiger habitats, in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, reading with the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.  The guidelines aim to ensure that all necessary statutory procedures for the full and effective implementation of relocation are adhered to; and that in the process of conservation and protection of tigers, the rights of forest dwellers are respected.