Families found living in relocated Sariska village, govt issues notices

Jaipur: Years after Panidhal village in Sariska Tiger Reserve’s core area was declared fully relocated, forest officials have found families living there again, prompting action against what the department says are unauthorised occupants.

According to officials, all 24 families identified for relocation from Panidhal, located in the Talvriksh range, had accepted rehabilitation packages and shifted out of the reserve. However, a recent field inspection revealed that some families were residing in the village once again.

An official said, “The current occupants were not part of the original survey conducted before relocation and are not recognised as beneficiaries of the rehabilitation package. The department maintains that these families settled in the area after the relocation process was completed and have so far failed to produce documents establishing a legal right to reside there.”

The department has issued notices to the families under Section 34A of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, seeking an explanation and asking them to submit documents supporting their claim.

Officials said the occupants would be treated as encroachers if they are unable to furnish valid records and could face eviction proceedings.

“Section 34A of the Wildlife Protection Act empowers forest authorities to remove encroachments from protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The provision allows eviction of unauthorised occupants and removal of illegal structures after giving affected persons an opportunity to present their case.”

Families residing in Panidhal have been served notices under Section 34A and asked to submit their response. Further action will be taken under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, added the official.

The development comes as Sariska authorities continue efforts to secure the reserve’s core area for wildlife by reducing human presence in critical habitats. The tiger reserve has identified 29 villages within its core area, of which 11 were included in the first phase of relocation. Complete relocation has already been carried out in Bhagani, Rotkyala, Umri, Panidhal and Dabli villages.

Panidhal was among the smallest villages selected for relocation, with only Bhagani having fewer families. An environmentalist said, “Maintaining the integrity of relocated sites is important for habitat recovery and for ensuring uninterrupted movement of wildlife within the reserve.”