Ahmedabad, Oct 1 (PTI) The Gujarat government on Thursday announced a scheme for the voluntary relocation of maldharis (semi-nomadic pastoralists) from the Barda sanctuary in Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, being developed as a ‘second home’ for Asiatic lions.
As part of the scheme, an amount of Rs 15 lakh will be given per family to the eligible beneficiaries for voluntary relocation outside the sanctuary area, it said.
With the increase in population of lions, the government has identified Barda, spread across Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts, as a new sanctuary area for lions. Currently, Asiatic Lions are concentrated in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
In Porbandar for the ‘Van Mahotsav’ event, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the scheme for the voluntary relocation of maldhari community members from the Barda sanctuary area.
Under the scheme, and in accordance with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)’s guidelines, an amount of Rs 15 lakh will be given per family to the eligible beneficiaries in a lump sum for voluntary relocation outside the sanctuary area, he maintained.
After the receipt of payment, the beneficiaries will no longer be eligible to make any further rights or claims regarding the Barda area.
The scheme aims to open up a large part of the Barda sanctuary for wildlife, freeing the area from the biotic pressure caused by human encroachment, and the relocated families will be able to join the mainstream, access better livelihood, education, healthcare, and promising employment opportunities, stated an official release.
The collector or district-level committee concerned may allot a 100-square-yard residential plot to a Maldhari family free of cost located near a village outside the boundaries of the sanctuary and the eco-sensitive zone, and beyond a distance of 10 km from municipal corporation limits and five km from municipality limits, the CM said.
Additionally, if a family owns livestock, they may request a plot of up to 100 square yards for the animals. The cost of this plot — calculated at market rates — will be deducted from the Rs 15 lakh assistance amount, and the balance will be paid to the family, Patel said.
The definition of a “family” under this scheme will be determined in accordance with the guidelines of the NTCA, and a state-level committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the principal secretary (forest and environment) to review and provide guidance on the implementation of the scheme, according to the release.
Additionally, a district-level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the respective district collectors to oversee the scheme’s implementation, gather data on the number of affected families, verify necessary supporting documents, and finalise details regarding people to be relocated, it added. PTI KA PD RSY
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