India’s National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA) is facing backlash over its order to relocate tens of thousands of tribals from core tiger zones. The decision reportedly disregarded concerns raised by the Tribal Affairs Ministry &its own officials. Thread by @sukriti_vats

On June 19, the NTCA sent an order to wildlife wardens of all tiger reserves to expedite the relocation of 64,801 tribal families. The move sparked an outcry from #Adivasis who fear losing their land, rights, and livelihoods and drew criticism from activists.

The minutes of meetings from three consultations (Jan 2023–Feb 2024) reveal that both the Tribal Affairs and Environment Ministries urged NTCA to recognise claims under Forest Rights Act (FRA) before any relocation, which could ensure adequate compensation.

The June 19 order, however, ignored these concerns. The order cited Section 38V (4) of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), mandating core tiger habitats remain inviolate, but excluded the clause on protecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes and forest dwellers.

Activists argue the order violates laws like the FRA and Land Acquisition Act. They point out that the Wildlife Protection Act mandates relocation only if it’s scientifically established—and approved by the Gram Sabha—that coexistence in the tiger reserve is impossible.

Meanwhile, protests have been staged in at least five tiger reserves, over the past few weeks. While Van Gujjars in Uttarakhand are planning to march to Delhi, tribals residing near Madhya Pradesh’s Ratapani Tiger Reserve are mulling similar actions.

A collective letter has been sent to the concerned authorities demanding a withdrawal of the NTCA order and an immediate advisory to ensure the recognition and vesting of forest rights in all villages in the areas notified as tiger reserves and other Protected Areas.

The letter warns that dispossessing forest-dependent communities could trigger conflicts. It was endorsed by activists like Jean Dreze and Nityanand Jayaraman.

“The issue [of recognition of forest rights] has been raised for far too long…but has had no impact whatsoever. This shows a disregard and inability of the government to address such matters that pertain to the masses,” said CR Bijoy, an independent researcher and activist.

Read the full story here: https://thewire.in/environment/ntca-conservation-displacement-tribal-ministry…@thewire_in