Relocating for Roars: Jharkhand's Bold Move to Protect Palamau Tigers

In an ambitious move to preserve its dwindling tiger population, the Jharkhand forest department has begun relocating inhabitants from 35 villages nestled inside the Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR). The initiative, announced by officials, seeks to eliminate human-animal conflicts and enhance the living conditions for big cats.

Already, 160 residents from Jaigir village have been successfully moved to Polpol, situated outside the reserve in Palamu district. The relocation scheme has ambitious plans to eventually move all village residents over the next three years, according to PTR Director S. R. Natesh. Stringent measures include compensating individuals financially or with land parcels.

Historically, the reserve struggled with declining tiger numbers, plummeting from 71 in 1995 to just one in the most recent count. Wildlife experts attribute this decline to human interference and a depleted prey base. The PTR now focuses on raising awareness and protecting its iconic inhabitants.

(With inputs from agencies.)