The 13 settlements within the pristine forest of Bhimgad have 754 families comprising 3,059 people.
Credit: DH File photo
Hubballi: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre has assured the forest dwellers of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district that the government would soon allocate funds for their voluntary relocation.
Interacting with the residents of the Talewadi hamlet, one of the 13 hamlets in the sanctuary in Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district, Khandre said each family would get Rs 15 lakh compensation for rehabilitation as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines.
The 13 settlements within the pristine forest of Bhimgad have 754 families comprising 3,059 people.
The forest is a vital tiger corridor connecting the Kali Tiger Reserve with Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Mollem National Park and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
The forest is a critical habitat for tigers, leopards, and Wroughton’s free-tailed bat, an endangered species on the verge of extinction, among others.
While the residents of several hamlets are willing to relocate from the sanctuary due to poor basic facilities including health, education and road connectivity, the rehabilitation work has been pending for want of funds.
At least four hamlets get cut off from the mainland during the monsoon due to the overflowing of streams.
Sources in the department informed DH that the minister advised the residents to make the best use of the relief funds by either purchasing alternative agricultural land in and around Khanapur or depositing the funds in banks.
He also asked the forest department to ensure that rehabilitating families are handheld during the entire process so that they can lead a new life.
Belagavi Deputy Conservator of Forest Maria Christu Raja D told DH that the talks between the minister and residents of Talewadi were fruitful.
“Though the people in many villages have expressed their interest to relocate we have received applications only from Talewadi. The successful implementation of the relocation process at Talewadi will help others interested in relocating to understand the steps involved and the benefits of the relocation program,” he said.
The officials wish to take Talewadi’s rehabilitation as a model to win over the hearts of other hamlet residents. Relocation of Talewadi would create more than 1,000 ha of inviolate space for the wildlife.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Brijesh Kumar Dixit, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kumar Pushkar, Belagavi Chief Conservator of Forests Manjunath Chouhan and others were present on the occasion.