From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jan 9: Given the hard reality of increase in man-animal conflicts, the Karnataka Government has decided to rehabilitate 800 tribal families residing in tiger reserves and other forest areas of the State by granting compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to each family.

Karnataka’s Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar and Social Welfare Minister A Narayanaswamy, who held a meeting with R Dhruvanarayana, MP, legislators from Mysore, Chamarajanagar and Hassan districts, officials of two departments and tribal leaders in Bangalore on Monday, chalked up plans for resettlement of families trapped in tiger reserves and national parks in the State.

Leaders representing tribal families inside tiger reserves and parks have expressed their willingness to relocate from the conflict zone, leaving the land to the wild animals, the ministers were told at the meeting.

However, despite a blame game between two ministers on resettlement of families, the Social Welfare Minister said 142 families have been rehabilitated by providing compensation of Rs. 10 lakh cash, three acres of land and Rs. 5,000 for obtaining LPG connections to each family.

In anticipation of the Central grants, the Forest and Social Welfare departments would commence relocation of remaining 800 tribal families residing in forests in different districts.

Already a proposal seeking funds has been submitted to the Centre, Narayanaswamy said.

Several tribal families have been residing in Bandipur, Nagarahole, B R Hills, Bhadra, Kudremukh Nation Park areas.

A large number of elephant deaths have been reported in these areas following retaliatory attacks by the people, officials maintained.

Yogeshwar said steps would be taken for building elephants proof trenches, boundary walls and solar power fencing for preventing animals straying to villages.

However, unlike the Social Welfare Department, the Forest Department’s budget was limited to Rs. 250 crore a year.

The Social Welfare Department, a nodal agency for welfare of tribal families, hast to take initiative to rehabilitate tribal families, he said.

Narayanaswmay said Revenue and Forest Department have identified 4500 acres in different districts for rehabilitation of tribal families. Now both departments have to conduct a joint survey for allotment of lands to families.

The Social Welfare Minister also directed officials of departments concerned to take steps to distribute ration cards and provide electricity connections to households residing in peripheral areas of forests and rehabilitated families.