Forest Rights Dispute in Madhya Pradesh

January 7, 2025

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has intervened in dispute concerning forest rights in Madhya Pradesh. Recently, 52 villages have raised concerns about the denial of their forest rights and threats of eviction from the Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve. This situation has arisen after the reserve was established in September 2023, leading to allegations that local communities are being unjustly displaced and restricted from accessing vital forest resources.

Background of the Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve

Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve spans 2,339 square kilometres. It was formed by merging the Rani Durgavati and Nauradehi wildlife sanctuaries. The creation of this reserve was intended to compensate for the loss of 100 square kilometres of forest due to the Ken Betwa River linking project. This initiative aims to support tiger conservation while addressing environmental concerns.

Allegations from Local Villages

The affected villagers from Damoh, Narsinghpur, and Sagar districts have alleged that their forest rights claims were ignored. They reported being pressured to relocate from their ancestral lands, violating the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 and the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) of 2006. The villagers claim that they have been barred from accessing forest products and resources, which are crucial for their livelihoods.

MoTA’s Response to the Complaints

In response to these complaints, MoTA has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to investigate the situation. The Ministry’s letter emphasised that the state should resolve these issues in collaboration with local forest departments and district collectors. MoTA brought into light that the violation of community rights under the FRA is a serious concern that needs immediate attention.

Legal Framework Governing Forest Rights

The FRA and WLPA provide a legal framework for recognising the rights of tribal and forest-dwelling communities. According to these laws, any relocation of communities from forest areas must be voluntary and based on informed consent. The government must ensure that the rights of local communities are acknowledged before creating protected areas free from human settlements.

Current Status of Evictions and Relocations

Abdul Aleem Ansari, Divisional Forest Officer of Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, has denied allegations of forceful evictions. He stated that while some families have been informed about relocation packages, no current evictions are taking place due to budget constraints. Out of the 93 villages within the reserve, 40 have been relocated since 2014, and eight more are in the process of relocation.

Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve was established in 2023.
The FRA was enacted in 2006 to protect forest rights.
Ken Betwa River linking project affects 100 square kilometres of forest.
MoTA oversees tribal welfare and forest rights matters.
Damoh district has the highest number of villages in the reserve.

Future Steps and Community Participation

The future actions regarding the forest rights dispute will depend on thorough investigations by the Madhya Pradesh government. Community participation and free, prior, and informed consent will be essential in any decision-making processes concerning relocations. The involvement of local villagers in discussions about their rights and livelihoods is crucial for sustainable conservation efforts.

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