(a) the number of national parks in the country as on date;
(b) whether these parks are inhabited by families and if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Madhya Pradesh;
(c) whether the Government has formulated any scheme for rehabilitation of families residing in national parks; and
(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Madhya Pradesh?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) The total number of National Parks in the country as on date is 103.
(b) A few National Parks in the country are inhabited by families. However, State-wise details of families located inside the National Parks are not collated in the Ministry.
(c) and (d) Yes, Madam. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’ and ‘Project Tiger’, there exist a provision of voluntary relocation of people residing inside Wildlife Sanctuaries/National Parks and Tiger Reserves in the country including Madhya Pradesh. There are two options for voluntary relocation , namely:
Option I – Payment of the entire package amount (Rs.10 lakhs per family) to the family in case the family opts so, without involving any rehabilitation and relocation process by the Forest Department.
Option II – Carrying out relocation and rehabilitation of village from Protected Area and Tiger Reserve by the Forest Department.
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