New Policy Framework on Tribal Relocation in Tiger Reserves

The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2025 introduced a policy framework to regulate the relocation of forest-dwelling communities from tiger reserves. This framework aims to ensure that relocations are voluntary, rights-compliant, and scientifically justified. It stresses the protection of Scheduled Tribes’ rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and promotes their involvement in conservation efforts within tiger reserves.

Context and Purpose of the Policy Framework

The framework responds to concerns over non-implementation of FRA in tiger reserves and protests against forced relocations. It seeks to harmonise conservation goals with tribal rights. The policy was developed after representations from State governments and Gram Sabhas brought into light issues in existing relocation practices. It emphasises that relocation must be a last resort and based on ecological necessity.

Key Features of the Policy Framework

The document, titled Reconciling Conservation and Community Rights, calls for a National Framework for Community-Centred Conservation and Relocation. It proposes joint procedural standards by the Ministries of Environment and Tribal Affairs. A National Database on Conservation-Community Interface (NDCCI) is suggested to track relocations, compensation, and post-relocation status. Annual independent audits will assess compliance with FRA, the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, and human rights norms.

Consent and Rights Protection

Consent for relocation must be obtained before declaring an area a tiger reserve. This consent must be verifiable not only at Gram Sabha level but also at each household level. The framework asserts that forest-dwelling communities have the right to continue living in their traditional habitats under the FRA unless ecological necessity demands otherwise. The State has a constitutional duty to protect these rights.

Community Inclusion in Conservation

The policy encourages involving forest communities in biodiversity conservation and reserve management. It recognises their traditional knowledge and role in sustaining ecosystems. The framework promotes a collaborative approach between government ministries to ensure relocation, if needed, is equitable, dignified, and rights-based.

Relocation Practices and Challenges

Village relocations have been part of tiger conservation since 1973. The WPA facilitates habitat creation for tigers while the FRA safeguards forest dwellers’ rights. Relocation packages currently offer ₹15 lakh per family. However, controversies persist with allegations of coercion and denial of basic facilities to those choosing to stay. Legal battles like the Jenu Kuruba case in Karnataka show these conflicts.

Current Status and Monitoring

Since January 2022, over 5,000 families from 56 villages have been relocated from tiger reserves across seven States. The NTCA reports nearly 65,000 families still reside in core tiger reserve areas. The policy framework calls for enhanced monitoring and involvement of Tribal Affairs representatives and experts to ensure fairness and transparency in relocation processes.

Implementation and Future Steps

The Tribal Affairs Ministry has urged the Environment Ministry to cooperate in implementing this policy. It recommends wide circulation of the document among State Tribal Welfare and Forest Departments down to district levels. The aim is to improve coordination and protect tribal rights while supporting tiger conservation.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the challenges in balancing wildlife conservation and tribal rights in India’s protected areas with examples from tiger reserves.
2. Analyse the role of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in safeguarding the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and its impact on conservation policies.
3. Taking example of India’s tiger reserve relocation policies, discuss the significance of consent and community participation in environmental governance.
4. Examine the constitutional duties of the State towards Scheduled Tribes and forest dwellers in the context of ecological conservation and development.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the challenges in balancing wildlife conservation and tribal rights in India’s protected areas with examples from tiger reserves.

1. Conservation laws like the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) prioritize habitat protection, often restricting human presence in tiger reserves.
2. Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 recognizes forest-dwelling communities’ rights to land and resources, allowing continued habitation.
3. Conflict arises when conservation efforts push for relocation, while tribal communities assert their legal rights to stay.
4. Examples – Jenu Kuruba tribe in Nagarhole National Park contesting non-recognition of FRA rights; protests against NTCA’s 2024 relocation directive.
5. Relocation controversies include allegations of coercion, denial of basic amenities to those staying, and inadequate compensation.
6. Balancing ecological necessity with tribal rights requires transparent, voluntary, and rights-compliant processes, often lacking in practice.

2. Analyse the role of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in safeguarding the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and its impact on conservation policies.

1. FRA legally recognizes individual and community rights over forest land, produce, and traditional habitats.
2. It mandates settlement of rights before any relocation, ensuring forest dwellers’ consent and participation.
3. FRA empowers communities to continue living in forests, challenging eviction-based conservation models.
4. Its implementation has led to calls for integrating tribal rights in conservation, promoting community-centred approaches.
5. However, non-implementation or partial implementation in tiger reserves causes conflicts and legal challenges.
6. FRA’s impact pushes conservation policies towards coexistence models rather than exclusionary ones.

3. Taking example of India’s tiger reserve relocation policies, discuss the significance of consent and community participation in environmental governance.

1. Consent must be obtained before declaring tiger reserves, at both Gram Sabha and individual household levels, ensuring genuine agreement.
2. Voluntary relocation is emphasized to respect tribal autonomy and avoid coercion.
3. Community participation aids in recognizing traditional knowledge, improving biodiversity conservation and management.
4. Inclusion of forest communities encourages equitable, dignified processes and reduces conflicts.
5. Policies like the 2025 framework propose joint oversight by Environment and Tribal Affairs Ministries for accountability.
6. Effective participation leads to monitoring mechanisms such as National Database on Conservation-Community Interface (NDCCI) and independent audits.

4. Examine the constitutional duties of the State towards Scheduled Tribes and forest dwellers in the context of ecological conservation and development.

1. The State has an affirmative constitutional duty to protect the rights of Scheduled Tribes under Articles 244, 46, and provisions related to tribal welfare.
2. It must safeguard FRA rights, ensuring forest dwellers are not deprived of their traditional habitats without ecological necessity.
3. Simultaneously, the State must conserve biodiversity and wildlife, balancing environmental and developmental goals.
4. Relocation must be scientifically justified, voluntary, and rights-compliant, reflecting constitutional values of equity and dignity.
5. The State is responsible for providing basic services and infrastructure to forest communities choosing to stay.
6. Collaborative governance involving multiple ministries ensures constitutional duties are met without marginalizing tribal populations.