Q. With reference to the Policy Framework for Relocation and Co-existence in India’s Tiger Reserves, consider the following statements:
1.Relocation of forest-dwelling communities is to be undertaken only as a last resort, strictly after settling all rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
2.The policy mandates free, prior, and informed consent from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) before declaring any area as part of a tiger reserve.
3.The framework recognises the community’s right to co-exist within tiger reserves by exercising FRA rights, with State support for amenities.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Explanation: 1 and 3
Statement 1 is correct: The framework is founded on the Last-resort Relocation Principle, which dictates that displacement should only occur as a final option and strictly after the settlement of rights under the FRA, 2006.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The policy mandates free, prior, and informed consent from every Gram Sabha and household, not the NTCA, before declaring an area as part of a tiger reserve.
Statement 3 is correct: The Co-existence Option is a key feature, which affirms the right of communities to continue residing within the reserve, exercising their FRA rights and receiving State support for basic amenities and co-management roles. The policy marks a significant shift towards community-inclusive conservation.
Source: TH
