Why in the News?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to look into complaints from 52 villages on non-recognition of forest rights and attempts at forceful eviction.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary (Basics, Flora, Fauna, Key Facts, etc.)
• About Forest Rights Act (Objectives, Features, Challenges, etc.)
• News Summary

 Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Basic Details:
  • Location: Situated in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Established: The sanctuary was declared a protected area to conserve the rich biodiversity of the Vindhyan region.
  • Geographical Features: Nestled in the Vindhyan mountain ranges, it is characterized by rugged terrain, rocky cliffs, and dense forests.
• Flora:
  • Vegetation Type: The sanctuary boasts a mixed forest type, predominantly dry deciduous forests.
  • Key Species:
    • Trees: Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Tendu, Mahua, and Palash.
    • Shrubs and Grasses: Various medicinal plants and grass species form the undergrowth.
  • Significance: The flora not only supports wildlife but also sustains local communities with forest products like fruits, timber, and medicinal plants.
• Fauna:
  • Mammals:
    • Herbivores: Chital (Spotted Deer), Nilgai (Blue Bull), and Sambar Deer.
    • Carnivores: Leopards, Jackals, Indian Fox, and Wild Boar.
  • Birds:
    • Peafowl, Indian Roller, Crested Serpent Eagle, and various migratory birds.
  • Reptiles:
    • Indian Cobra, Monitor Lizard, and other reptiles native to central India.
• Nearby Major River:
• The Durgavati River, after which the sanctuary is named, flows in the vicinity, providing water for the flora and fauna.
• Key Facts:
  • Area: Approximately 24 square kilometres.
  • Importance for Conservation:
    • Acts as a corridor for wildlife movement in the Vindhyan region.
    • Plays a role in maintaining ecological balance and preserving biodiversity.
  • Eco-Tourism Potential: Offers opportunities for eco-tourism, bird watching, and trekking, contributing to local livelihoods.
  • Challenges:
    • Human encroachment and deforestation.
    • Illegal poaching and habitat degradation.

About Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006:

• The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (officially known as the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act) is a landmark legislation aimed at recognizing and securing the rights of forest-dwelling communities in India.
• Key Objectives:
  • Recognition of Rights: To recognize the historical rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) over forests they depend on for their livelihood.
  • Protecting Livelihoods: Ensuring the sustainable use of forest resources by local communities.
  • Empowering Communities: Granting legal rights to forest land and resources to these communities.
• Types of Rights Recognized:
  • Individual Rights: Ownership and access to forest land for cultivation and habitation.
  • Community Rights:
    • Use of minor forest produce (e.g., bamboo, honey, lac).
    • Grazing rights and access to water bodies.
    • Management and conservation of forests by local communities.
  • Community Forest Resource Rights: Rights to protect, regenerate, and manage forests sustainably.
• Key Features:
  • Ownership of Land: Recognizes land up to 4 hectares per family for cultivation.
  • Protection Against Eviction: Prevents eviction of forest dwellers without proper recognition and settlement of rights.
  • Role of Gram Sabha: Empowers the Gram Sabha (village assembly) to determine the rights of individuals and communities.
  • Conservation Focus: Encourages sustainable management of forests while protecting biodiversity.
• Challenges:
  • Delayed Implementation: Slow progress in recognizing rights across states.
  • Proof of Eligibility: Difficulty in providing documentary evidence by forest-dwelling communities.
  • Conflict with Conservation Laws: Balancing rights with wildlife and forest conservation initiatives.
  • Opposition from Industries: Resistance from industries reliant on forest resources.

News Summary:

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has directed the Madhya Pradesh government to address complaints from 52 villages in Damoh, Narsinghpur, and Sagar districts alleging violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 and Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 2006.
• Villagers claim they were forcibly relocated and denied forest rights after the notification of the Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve in September 2023.
• Key Issues Highlighted:
  • Non-Recognition of Forest Rights: Villagers allege restricted access to forest resources and farms without the settlement of their claims under the FRA.
  • Forced Relocation Allegations: Relocations reportedly lacked free, prior, and informed consent, as mandated by law.
  • State’s Position:
    • The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary denied allegations of forced eviction, stating relocation packages were offered to eligible families.
    • Of the 93 villages in the reserve, 40 were relocated since 2014, while 8 are currently in the process of relocation.
  • The reserve, spread across 2,339 sq. km, was formed by merging the Rani Durgavati and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuaries to compensate for the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, which submerged 100 sq. km of prime forest in the Panna Tiger Reserve.
  • MoTA emphasized the need to respect community rights under FRA and WLPA, urging consultation with Gram Sabhas, district collectors, and forest departments.
  • The National Tiger Conservation Authority was also asked to issue directives safeguarding tribal interests.