ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

Articles by Manish ShrivastavaSubscribe to Manish Shrivastava

Creation of 'Inviolate Space'

An inequitable and top-down approach, lacking scientific, historical and socio-economic considerations, has historically exemplified protected area management strategy in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan. Attempts to evict local villagers without evidence of effective rehabilitation measures are a natural corollary of this policy. This paper appraises the role of village relocation as a management tool for wildlife conservation in the reserve by (1) documenting the forest dependency and livelihood conflicts faced by local residents who will be displaced; (2) identifying the aspirations of the proposed oustees in relation to the proposed displacement; and (3) studying the process of relocation planning and the rehabilitation package. It also suggests more participatory and rational ways to deal with the issue.

Pushed over the Edge

In the interests of tiger conservation, the gujjar community of Sariska, like other marginalised groups, is now faced with the prospect of relocation and an uncertain future. Rehabilitation measures as proposed by the state appear inadequate; such efforts, to be truly effective, need to ensure the participation of the affected people in deciding their own rehabilitation.

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