Making way for tigers, moving human settlements – Mongabay-India

Relocation of Jaigir Village in Palamu Tiger Reserve: A Step Towards Sustainable Conservation

Introduction

Jaigir, a remote tribal village located in the core zone of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand, India, has been a site of human-wildlife coexistence for generations. Recently, under the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s (NTCA) relocation scheme, 22 families from Jaigir have agreed to relocate, freeing nearly 100 square kilometers of core forest. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Background and Context

Geographical and Cultural Setting

• Jaigir is situated in the Garu block of Latehar district, Jharkhand, surrounded by dense sal forests.
• The village is inhabited by tribal communities including Biroh, Lohara, and Oraon tribes.
• Access to Jaigir requires a three-hour uphill trek of 15 km through forest trails.

Human-Wildlife Coexistence

• For decades, residents have lived sustainably, relying on forest resources such as firewood, medicinal herbs, and wild fruits.
• Human-wildlife conflicts have been frequent, including crop damage by elephants, boars, and monkeys.
• The village has witnessed tiger presence, though no human casualties have been reported.

Palamu Tiger Reserve Overview

• PTR covers 1,306.79 sq km, with 576 sq km designated as core area and 731 sq km as buffer zone.
• The reserve is home to keystone species and is critical for biodiversity conservation (SDG 15).
• Human settlements in the core area number over 5,000 families across 35 villages, causing habitat fragmentation and conflict.

Relocation Process and Community Engagement

Negotiations and Agreements

1. After years of dialogue, 22 families from Jaigir agreed to relocate voluntarily under NTCA guidelines, ensuring free, prior, and informed consent (SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
2. Relocation options included a one-time cash settlement of ₹15 lakh or a land-based package with farmland and housing.
3. Most families preferred land-based compensation to sustain agricultural livelihoods (SDG 2: Zero Hunger).

New Settlement and Infrastructure Development

• The relocated families moved to Polpol village, approximately 75 km from Jaigir.
• New concrete houses and farmland were prepared prior to relocation.
• Infrastructure improvements include connection to the power grid, construction of all-weather roads, and plans for irrigation canals and lift-irrigation systems.
• Support services such as primary education, healthcare access, skills training, and job linkages are being established to ensure sustainable livelihoods (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Conservation Impact and Challenges

Benefits to Wildlife and Habitat

• Relocation of Jaigir frees nearly 100 sq km of core forest, enhancing habitat continuity and prey availability for tigers and other wildlife.
• This contributes directly to SDG 15 by promoting ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
• Improved habitat conditions may encourage transient tigers to establish permanent territories.

Ongoing Challenges

• Approximately 32 other villages remain in the core area, with some communities resisting relocation due to cultural and livelihood ties.
• Human-wildlife conflicts persist, including crop damage and disturbance from roads and vehicular movement.
• Tiger population in PTR remains low, with only transient males recorded and no resident breeding population.
• Ensuring equitable and voluntary relocation while respecting indigenous rights remains a priority (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).

Future Outlook and Sustainable Development Goals Alignment

Scaling Relocation Efforts

• Jaigir serves as a model for relocating other core zone villages, with ongoing negotiations in Kujurum, Latu, and others.
• Efforts aim to balance wildlife conservation with human development, ensuring no family is left unsupported during transition.

Monitoring and Conservation Strategies

• Use of camera traps and traditional tracking methods to monitor tiger presence and movement.
• Plans to improve prey base and reduce disturbances to facilitate tiger breeding and population growth.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1. SDG 15 (Life on Land): Habitat restoration and species conservation through relocation and protected area management.
2. SDG 1 (No Poverty): Enhancing livelihoods of relocated families via land-based compensation, skills training, and job opportunities.
3. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Supporting sustainable agriculture in new settlements.
4. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Improved healthcare access for relocated communities.
5. SDG 4 (Quality Education): Establishment of primary schools and continued education for children.
6. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Job linkages and skill development for economic sustainability.
7. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Ensuring voluntary relocation with respect for indigenous rights and equitable treatment.
8. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Development of model villages with basic amenities and infrastructure.
9. SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): Transparent and participatory negotiation processes.

Conclusion

The relocation of Jaigir village marks a significant milestone in the conservation efforts of Palamu Tiger Reserve, demonstrating a balanced approach to wildlife protection and human development. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, this initiative promotes ecological integrity while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities. Continued collaboration, monitoring, and support are essential to replicate this success across other villages and to restore a stable tiger population in the reserve.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Focus on conservation of terrestrial ecosystems, forests, and biodiversity.
   • Protection and restoration of tiger habitats in Palamu Tiger Reserve.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Relocation of tribal families with compensation and support to improve livelihoods.
   • Efforts to provide basic amenities, farmland, and job training.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Support for agriculture through land allocation and irrigation facilities.
   • Promotion of rain-fed and irrigated farming for food security.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Improved healthcare access via district hospitals and local health services.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Establishment of primary schools and continuation of education for relocated children.
6. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Development of new villages with infrastructure like roads, power, and housing.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt the loss of biodiversity.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources, including land and basic services.
   • Target 1.5: Build resilience of the poor and vulnerable to environmental shocks.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage and access to quality essential health-care services.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all children complete free, equitable and quality primary education.
6. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 15 Indicators
   • 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area (implied by freeing 100 sq km of core forest).
   • 15.5.1: Red List Index (implied by monitoring tiger population and biodiversity).
   • Monitoring of tiger population through camera traps and pugmark tracking.
   • Number of villages relocated from core forest areas.
2. SDG 1 Indicators
   • 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land (implied by land compensation and records dating back to 1932).
   • 1.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters (implied by improved access to healthcare and safer living conditions).
3. SDG 2 Indicators
   • 2.3.1: Volume of production per labour unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size (implied by agricultural productivity on new farmland).
   • 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (implied by irrigation and farming support).
4. SDG 3 Indicators
   • 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services (implied by improved healthcare access via district hospital).
5. SDG 4 Indicators
   • 4.1.1: Proportion of children achieving minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics (implied by establishment of primary schools).
6. SDG 11 Indicators
   • 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or inadequate housing (implied by construction of new houses and infrastructure).
   • 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport (implied by new roads and connectivity).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: india.mongabay.com