Project Tiger Displaces 5.5 Lakh Tribal Communities, Report Reveals

A report by the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) on International Tiger Day reveals that Project Tiger in India may displace at least 550,000 Scheduled Tribes and forest dwellers. This is a significant increase in displacement compared to before 2021.

Displacement Statistics

Before 2021, about 254,794 people were displaced from 50 tiger reserves, averaging around 5,000 per reserve. Since then, the average displacement across six reserves has increased to 48,333 per reserve, which is a 967% increase.

Major Affected Areas

The report details that the most significant displacements will occur in:

• Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan: 160,000 people
• Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh: 72,772 people
• Ranipur Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh: 45,000 people

Other reserves like Ramgarh Vishdhari and Srivilliputhur-Megamalai will also see hundreds displaced.

Violation of Rights

The RRAG report highlights systemic human rights violations related to forced evictions. Indigenous communities often lose their homes, access to resources, and cultural sites. The report claims that the government bypasses the required free and informed consent mandated by the Forest Rights Act. Evictions are often accompanied by severe human rights abuses. The affected people reportedly face threats, violence, and arbitrary arrests for activities such as collecting food or opposing relocations.

About Project Tiger

Project Tiger, launched in 1973 in India, aimed to protect the declining Bengal tiger population. It was started by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The project initially established nine tiger reserves across India, which have now expanded to over 50. Significant habitat preservation efforts have led to an increase in tiger numbers from around 1,800 in the 1970s to over 2,900 in 2018. The project’s success has inspired global conservation efforts and encouraged community involvement in wildlife protection.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2024

Category: Reports & Indexes Current Affairs