Question : RELOCATION OF VILLAGES FROM TIGER RESERVES

(a) whether the National Tiger Conservation Authority has proposed any plan amounting to Rs. 600 crores for the protection of Tigers and relocation of approximately 2000 villages from 28 Tiger Reserves in the country;

(b) if so, the details of the proposal including the list of priority given to the State Governments for relocation of such villages;

(c) whether the Government has taken any decision to accept the proposal of the Authority;

(d) if so, the details thereof including the amount being sanctioned for the plan and the time by which the plan is likely to be implemented; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) During the current financial year, an allocation of Rs. 65.00 crores has been provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger which includes Central Assistance for States towards relocation / rehabilitation of villages from Tiger Reserves.

(b)&(c) The Wildlife Institute of India has been directed to assess the core areas of tiger reserves where village relocation has to be undertaken, in addition to other protected areas of the country within a timeframe. Simultaneously, action has been taken for developing a model involuntary village relocation/rehabilitation package through professional agency.

(d) While initiatives have been taken for assessment of countrywide inviolate areas for wildlife and enhancement of the relocation/rehabilitation package, funding support is being provided to States as per existing norms under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger. The Central Assistance for village relocation/rehabilitation is based on proposals received from States to provide inviolate areas for wild animals.

(e) Question does not arise.