Compensatory afforestation is one of the main conditions stipulated by the Centre while approving proposals for dereservation or diversion of forest land for non-forest uses under the Forest Protection Act.
To fast-track relocation of Gujjars from the Corbett Tiger Reserve, a Central panel has exempted the Uttarakhand government from undertaking compensatory afforestation in lieu of the forest land diverted for rehabilitation of the pastoral community.
Compensatory afforestation is one of the main conditions stipulated by the Centre while approving proposals for dereservation or diversion of forest land for non-forest uses under the Forest Protection Act.
However, departing from normal rules, the Forestry Appraisal Committee (FAC) in a recent meeting waived off the condition to notify around 160 hectares of diverted forest land procured by the Uttarakhand government in Chidiyapur range of Haridwar for rehabilitation of Gujjars.
"The move would certainly speed up the relocation of 20-25 Gujjar families living in Sona Wildlife Sanctuary of the Kalagarh range along the boundary of the core zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve to the identified area.
"Since much of Uttarakhand is already designated as protected forests, the state too wanted an exemption on this," an FAC member said.
The move is aimed at making the tiger habitat free of human interference which is taking a toll on the endangered species.
Last year, Supreme Court too facilitated the rehabilitation process by categorising the diverted forest land under the non-forest status, thus empowering prospective locals to undertake infrastructural activities such as setting up of roads and water pumps.
"Otherwise for every developmental activity, the villagers would have to approach the Centre," the member said.
The Centre has offered up to Rs 10 lakh per relocated family as financial package for voluntary relocation from the nation parks and sanctuaries.
The government has also decided to provide the Gujjars contractual jobs in the park with an aim to integrate locals in wildlife conservation efforts.
This is for the first time that Van Gujjars are being deployed in the reserve which is home to over 160 tigers.
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