Bengaluru: Of the 23,828 forest-dwelling families identified by the govt for relocation to protect wildlife and reduce human-animal conflict across nine reserved forests, only 4,316 families have so far agreed to voluntarily move out of core forest areas, indicating a prolonged and complex process ahead. The highest concentration of families is in Kali reserved forest, where 7,856 families live in 69 villages. This is followed by MM Hills with 7,200 families in 18 villages, and the Sharavathi wildlife range with 3,000 families in six villages. Chincholi reserved forest has the lowest number — 96 families in one village. Officials said relocation is a sensitive issue. “Asking families to uproot and move away from ancestral lands and long-held properties is not a small thing,” an official said. “It is a slow, long-drawn process. The forest department must engage regularly with tribal families and their representatives. As newer generations get exposed to technology and progress, we expect voluntary relocation to improve.” While persuading families is a challenge, the larger hurdle for the govt is financial. Officials estimate that a staggering Rs 4,000 crore will be required to relocate all identified families. Under the National Tiger Conservation Authority compensation package, each individual above 18 years is entitled to Rs 15 lakh. Based on current population estimates, the total outlay has escalated significantly. In contrast, the govt currently allocates only around Rs 5 crore annually for such relocation efforts. Officials cited the Kudremukh project as an example of rising costs. Approved in 2005 at under Rs 150 crore, the project is now estimated at Rs 300 crore, with further delays likely to see costs soar again. “Kudremukh alone has 108 villages and 1,382 families, of which 670 have agreed to relocate,” sources said. This fiscal, the govt sanctioned an additional Rs 20 crore as a special grant for Kudremukh, aimed at accelerating relocation and creating more space for wildlife. Forest minister Eswhar Khandre said the govt remains committed to protecting forests while ensuring fair rehabilitation for displaced families. “Survey details will give us a clearer picture of the financial requirement for rehabilitation packages,” Khandre said.
