Relocate forest villages, make Buxa ready for tiger introduction: NTCA

Jalpaiguri: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Global Tiger Forum (GTF), after a three-day visit to Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR), suggested a relocation of villages dotted across the forest, to pave way for the much talked about introduction of tigers in the reserve.
There are 37 forest villages dotted across the BTR, which is spread over 760 sq km.Earlier, there has been an attempt to relocate three forest villages — Jayanti, Bhutia Bustee and 28 Mile — on priority basis. But it was not a success. Of the 37 villages, 15 are in the core area.
The NTCA has sanctioned relocation funds for two villages so far, Bhutia Bustee and Gangutia.
“In a similar process, Khunia forest village at Gorumara National Park was relocated. The erstwhile Khunia forest village houses a watchtower (Chandrachur) now and houses rhinos, bisons and other animals,” said Animesh Bose, state wildlife advisory board member.
The state forest department had written to NTCA, asking them to ‘reintroduce’ tigers in BTR.
Experts, however, are of the opinion that without right habitat, introduction of tigers will not help. “Bringing tigers from outside is not the solution. First we would have to ensure that the environment in the forest is just perfect for tigers to stay. For that, undergrowth is a must. These forest villages, with a population of nearly 13,000 have a livestock of over one lakh. These cows enter the BTR everyday for grazing, largely affecting the undergrowth,” a forest official said.
A senior forester, however, claimed that the process of relocating a few villages from the core area has already been started. The proposal has been approved by NTCA after recommendation from the state government.
The state forest department is hopeful that tigers will be introduced in Buxa within a year.