A portion of the population in laldhang, Kotdwar and Shyampur forest ranges which are proposed to be included in the buffer zone once Rajaji national park is converted into a tiger reserve are opposed to being included in the zone.
They fear that being in the buffer zone would restrict their activities and prevent developmental activities. However, they were assured that no new restrictions would be imposed other than the ones already existing in the reserve forest areas. This was revealed at a meeting held by the department with the locals.
According to the Rajaji national park director SP Subudhi who is also the member secretary of the expert committee formed for the issue, about 330 sq kms of reserve forest area in laldhang, Kotdwar and Shyampur forest ranges is proposed to be included in the buffer zone once Rajaji is converted into a tiger reserve.
He said, “The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 section 38 states that buffer zones for tiger reserves should be ascertained in consultations with locals and experts. So we held a public hearing of the people from the areas in question on Tuesday. Though some people had no objection to the formation of the buffer zone, some of them opposed it on the grounds that mining, land transfer and other activities would be restricted in the buffer zone.”
They were informed that such activities are already prohibited in the reserve forest areas so making it the buffer zone of the tiger reserve would make no difference. I told the people that wild animals move to and fro between Corbett tiger reserve and Rajaji through the Kotdwar area of lansdowne forest division. The Van Gujjars living in this area have affected the movement of wildlife so if the area is made a buffer zone, they will be relocated. This will facilitate smoother movement of wildlife between Corbett and Rajaji which in turn will reduce the human-wildlife conflict being faced by people in the area with elephants and other wild animals frequently damaging farms and property,” he added.
Based on the public views and expert opinion, the proposal will be submitted to the Government which will decide the future course of action.