Forest Rights, Livelihood and Nature Conservation in Buxa Tiger Reserve, India : A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

The colonial administration in India turned the forests into state property by proclaiming several legislations which continued in the post-independent India. The Scheduled Tribe and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is the sole legislation which seeks to redress this historic injustice meted out to the forest dwellers by not recognizing their right to access the forest resources. This study explores the dependence of the forest dwellers on the forest resources of the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The paper also aims at assessing the status of implementation of the Act in the Reserve that is imperative in securing the land rights of the local populace. The study is based on primary data generated through interviews using a semi-structured interview schedule, focus group discussions and opinions gathered from the interactions with the local people, local resource persons and forest officials. Secondary data was obtained from books, journals, periodicals and government reports. The implementation process of the Act is very slow which is putting the inhabitants of the core area in a precarious position. The dire need of the hour is creating awareness among the villagers about the law by the government, media and NGOs.