Question : RELOCATION OF PEOPLE FROM TIGER HABITATS

(a) whether the National Tiger Conservation Authority had approved diversion of crores of rupees from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAFMPA) for relocation of people from tiger habitats;

(b) if so, the details of diverted fund and the people relocated there, State-wise and year-wise separately;

(c) whether some NGOs have requested to the Government to stop the relocation drive till detailed investigations on the ongoing violation of forest laws are conducted in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the reaction of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) No Sir. Only in-principle approval for use of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds towards village relocation from core / critical tiger habitat has been accorded by the competent authority.

(b) Question does not arise.

(c), (d) & (e) Representations have been received from some quarters, interalia, including some NGOs in this context. Under the ongoing Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger, 100% central assistance is provided to tiger range States for voluntary relocation of people from core/critical tiger habitats, as notified by States. Advisories have been issued in this regard for compliance of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, read with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, besides monitoring at the levels of State and Centre.