Relocation policy of Odisha for villages is under consideration for Palamu Tiger Reserve with the State Government. Sources said on January 18 Chief Secretary Rajbala Verma chaired a meeting of State monitoring committee in this regard which was attended by PCCF, PCCF cum chief wild life warden, principal secretary road construction, secretary of welfare department, official of health department, retired DFO S Lahiri and chief conservator of forest PTR MP Singh.
The meeting resolved to prepare a draft policy of relocation on the pattern of Odisha Government. State forest environment & climate change is to prepare the draft in the light of Odisha relocation policy which after review may get approval.
MP Singh confirmed this saying Odisha model is being preferred most here for relocation of villages which are to come out of PTR as life in PTR is too difficult for the villagers.56 household and 112 people of Kujrum village in PTR are to be driven out of the reserve.
The Odisha relocation policy provides Rs 10 lakh per family as compensation for relocation and rehabilitation. The other option is that village opting out of reserve and sanctuary will be taken care of by the Government with spending on relocation and rehabilitation.
Odisha Government has planned to spent 70 per cent on agro land and settlement rights of such families, 20 per cent on house construction and 10 per cent on incentive and community facilities right from road, school, electricity, health, cremation to telecommunication etc.