Village Relocation in Palamu Tiger Reserve

After years of strategic planning and community engagement, forest officials in Jharkhand have successfully relocated Jaigir village from within the core zone of the Palamu Tiger Reserve. This marks the first complete village relocation within the reserve, setting a model for sustainable conservation. The move is expected to reduce human-wildlife conflict and increase habitat availability for wild species, particularly tigers and their prey base.

Jaigir’s 22 households (160 people) have been relocated to a 75-acre plot near Polpol village, just outside the reserve’s core zone. Their relocation will convert the original village land into a grassland, creating a safe corridor for wildlife movement. Eight more villages are in line for similar relocation efforts.

📌 Points to Remember

• Jaigir is the first village fully relocated from the core area of Palamu Tiger Reserve.

• The relocation took place in 2023-24, spearheaded by Deputy Director Kumar Ashish.

• Over 1,000 sq km of land is now free of human presence, benefiting wildlife.

• Residents were compensated with land and ₹15 lakh, depending on family structure.

• The initiative aims to develop Polpol as a model village to inspire others.

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🐯 Why This Matters for Wildlife

Relocating human settlements from protected core areas is a critical conservation strategy. The Palamu Tiger Reserve, spanning over 1129.93 sq km (with a 414.08 sq km core), is home to several endangered species including the tiger.

By freeing core areas from human activities like grazing, farming, and deforestation, the natural ecosystem is restored, improving breeding grounds and food chains. With Jaigir gone, the area will be transformed into grassland — a preferred habitat for herbivores like deer and antelope, indirectly supporting predators like tigers.

This type of human-wildlife separation is key to reducing encounters that often lead to fatal conflicts, both for animals and humans.

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🏠 Challenges of Relocation

Relocating an entire village from a core forest area is never easy. In the case of Jaigir, winning the villagers’ trust was the biggest hurdle. Most families feared inadequate compensation or displacement without proper alternatives.

Key Challenges Faced:

• Land ownership confusion within households.

• Logistical issues in providing 5 acres per family.

• Ensuring transport, roads, and essential services in the new location.

• Managing temporary shelters and ongoing home construction.

Deputy Director Kumar Ashish revealed that a mix of land allocation and cash compensation helped overcome these challenges. Importantly, the forest department ensured constant dialogue with the residents, which built mutual trust.

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🔭 What Lies Ahead for PTR

Following Jaigir’s successful relocation, the PTR authorities have identified eight more villages within the core zone for similar treatment. If executed properly, this initiative could make Palamu one of India’s best-managed tiger reserves.

Officials are also working to:

• Develop Polpol into a model eco-village with all basic amenities.

• Promote eco-tourism around the reserve without disturbing core zones.

• Continue community awareness programs to ensure smoother future relocations.

This model can also influence other tiger reserves in India, where human habitation continues to disrupt wildlife habitats — such as in Sundarbans, Bandhavgarh, and Sariska.

🗺️ Complete List of Tiger Reserves in India – State-wise (2025)