Tigers have outgrown forests, relocation being worked out: Mungantiwar

Nagpur: The number of tigers has outgrown the forests and a policy to relocate the big cats is being worked out, said Maharashtra forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
Mungantiwar was talking to media men on the sidelines of Mincon 2022, a conference organized by Vidarbha Economic Development (VED) Council on Friday.
The minister also hinted at a number of changes in the forest rules, including those on eco-sensitive zones (ESZs). At present, an area of 10km is earmarked as ESZ where there are curbs on any development. However, the distance needs to be reviewed for certain areas, he said. For example, it may not be practical for a place like Mumbai, said Mungantiwar.
“Conservation efforts have increased the number of tigers. Each tiger needs 12x12 square km area to live. The area under forests is limited. Considering this, a policy on relocation is being worked out.” he said. The minister said merely giving compensation for loss of life is not enough and a long-term solution is needed.
Mungantiwar said the state government has also written to Karnataka government about the entry of elephant herds from that state into Maharashtra. “Elephant herds have entered Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Gondia and Gadchiroli districts in Maharashtra. The elephants crossing over from Chhattisgarh into districts of Vidarbha are originally from Karnataka. The Karnataka government has been asked to send an expert team to suggest ways of prevention of the animals’ entry,” he said.
On the issue of problem tigers, he said there have been demands for either capturing the tiger or killing them. “It is not that there has been insistence only on eliminating the animals,” he said.
Responding to Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari’s statement that forest clearances are hampering development, he said most of the rules have been framed by the Centre. For example, the order on closure of Umred mine has also come from the Centre, he said.
Mungantiwar said the government is also working on ensuring grazing rights of shepherds. “At present, the Supreme Court has prohibited grazing when the shoots are fresh in forests. A solution is being worked out... May be, newer areas would be created for grazing,” he said.