The Chief Conservation Officer of Forest, RM Dobriyal, visited the Kawal Tiger Sanctuary to review the evacuation of villages. He checked the progress of relocating villages from the core area of the forest to a new colony. Dobriyal also met with beneficiaries during his visit.
This field visit was prompted by a request from State Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha. She emphasized the importance of making the evacuation process transparent and setting an example for other villages. In the initial phase, Rampur and Mysampeta villages have agreed to voluntary resettlement.
The Forest Department is following two proposals sanctioned by the Central Government under NTCA norms. One proposal offers a lump sum compensation of Rs 15 lakh to each family. 48 families have accepted this offer. The second proposal includes providing a house and agricultural land in addition to the Rs 15 lakh compensation for 94 families.
A resettlement colony is being constructed outside the forest area near Kawal at a rapid pace. The colony covers 12.36 acres and each family will receive a house and cultivable land. Beneficiaries are satisfied with the social arrangements and progress in the colony.
