Kali Tiger Reserve (Dandeli- Anshi), Location, History and Formation

The Centre has launched an investigation into alleged misuse of CAMPA funds and violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 during the relocation of forest dwellers from the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. The move comes amid rising concerns over the displacement of indigenous communities and possible irregularities in fund utilization.

About Kali Tiger Reserve

• Location: Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, in the Western Ghats (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• History: Formed in 2015 by merging Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi National Park.

• Significance: Named after the Kali River, which flows through it; home to rich biodiversity, including tigers, elephants, and rare bird species.

Allegations Under Probe

1. Misuse of CAMPA Funds:

   • The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was created in 2009 (following a Supreme Court directive).

   • Funds collected from project developers—when forest land is diverted for non-forest use—are meant for afforestation and restoration of ecosystem services.

   • Allegations suggest that money allocated for forest regeneration and rehabilitation may have been diverted or misused during relocation.

2. Violation of FRA Provisions:

   • The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 safeguards the rights of forest dwellers and tribal communities.

   • Reports claim that these rights were overlooked or bypassed while moving communities out of the tiger reserve.

   • Activists allege lack of proper consent, inadequate compensation, and insufficient rehabilitation measures.

Broader Context

• Relocation from Tiger Reserves: A sensitive issue in India, where conservation efforts often clash with the rights of traditional forest dwellers.

• CAMPA Monitoring: This probe is part of the Centre’s push to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the use of compensatory afforestation funds.

• Balancing Act: Authorities are tasked with balancing wildlife conservation with the livelihood rights of local communities, a challenge across several tiger reserves in India.

What’s Next?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has sought detailed reports from Karnataka officials. The findings will determine whether corrective action, audits, or legal proceedings will follow.

This probe is likely to influence future relocation policies, not just in Kali Tiger Reserve but also across India’s protected areas.

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