Tiger Reserve Village Relocation Advisory Triggers Rights Concerns
Source:Indian Express ↗
આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે
It highlights the ongoing friction between strict wildlife conservation models (like Critical Tiger Habitats) and the statutorily guaranteed rights of forest-dwelling indigenous communities under the Forest Rights Act.
સારાંશ
Rights groups and civil society organizations have strongly urged the central government to withdraw its recent advisory concerning the relocation of villages from tiger reserves, arguing that it undermines legally mandated safeguards under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and bypasses informed consent of forest-dwelling communities.
મુખ્ય મુદ્દા
- Rights groups and conservation activists have urged the Centre to roll back its advisory regarding village relocation from tiger reserves.
- Concerns are raised over potential violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, which mandates free, prior, and informed consent and completion of settlement of rights before any relocation.
- The debate centers on balancing wildlife conservation imperatives (Critical Tiger Habitats) with the human and legal rights of forest-dwelling communities.
મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
A statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change established under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, tasked with managing tiger reserves in India.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims/Mains (GS Paper III): Important statutory bodies, conservation policies, and wildlife management in India.
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 (FRA)
A landmark legislation enacted in 2006 that recognizes and vests forest rights and occupation in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers.
UPSC context
UPSC Mains (GS Paper II/III): Tribal rights, implementation challenges, and intersection with environmental conservation laws.
Wildlife Protection Act 1972
The principal legislation in India that provides for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants, and regulates tiger reserves and sanctuaries.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims/Mains (GS Paper III): Core environmental law underpinning protected areas, national parks, and wildlife crimes.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
The apex central ministry responsible for planning, promoting, and overseeing the implementation of India's environmental and forestry policies.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims/Mains (GS Paper II/III): Governance structures, ministerial responsibilities, and environmental regulation in India.
સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો
What are the statutory provisions governing Critical Tiger Habitats and village relocation under Indian wildlife law?
- CTH Designation: Declared by state governments on the basis of scientific criteria in consultation with the NTCA under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Inviolate Status: Must be kept as inviolate for tiger conservation; human use is not permitted unless specifically required for management and protection.
- FRA Mandate: Section 38V(5) mandates that relocation from CTH is permissible only after completing individual and community rights settlement under the FRA 2006, ensuring free, prior, and informed consent.
આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન
FRA 2006 vs Wildlife Protection Act
The interplay between FRA 2006 and WPA 1972 frequently tests the constitutional division of powers and administrative jurisdiction between tribal welfare and forest conservation bodies.
Gram Sabha Autonomy and Conservation Schemes
Voluntary relocation packages funded by NTCA interact directly with Fifth/Sixth Schedule provisions and PESA Act, 1996 regarding Gram Sabha autonomy.
Expect a statement-based question pairing FRA 2006 consent mandates with CTH notification rules under the Wildlife Protection Act.
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 1
સંલગ્ન PYQ · 1
- 2020PrelimsGS1
Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under "Critical Tiger Habitat"?
