The Forest Department has started persuading residents of Sheribikanahalli Tanda, located inside Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary on the Karnataka-Telangana border, to relocate from the ecologically sensitive area.
About Hamlets
- Hamlet is a small human settlement, smaller than a village, often located in remote or rural areas.
- Typically home to a single community or family group.
- Examples of Common Hamlets in India:
- Lambani Tandas in Karnataka and Telangana.
- Changpa Hamlets in Ladakh, home to nomadic pastoralists.
- Toda Hamlets in Tamil Nadu, inhabited by the Toda tribal community.
- Mishing Hamlets in Assam, home to the Mishing tribal people along riverbanks.
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About Sheribikanahalli Tanda (Hamlet)
- Location: Situated deep inside Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.
- Population: Home to 98 families, comprising 219 members (114 female and 105 male).
Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)
- Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are regions identified for their rich biodiversity, ecological significance, and vulnerability to environmental degradation.
- Purpose: To protect fragile ecosystems from industrial, developmental, or human activities that can harm their ecological balance.
- Designation Criteria: ESAs are declared based on ecological uniqueness, species diversity, endemism, natural resources, and cultural significance.
- Recognition: According to the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, land within 10 km of national park and wildlife sanctuary boundaries is to be designated as Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ).
- While the 10-km guideline is generally followed, the Union government can notify areas beyond this limit as ESZs if they encompass ecologically sensitive corridors.
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- Rehabilitation Plan: Relocation to Venkatapur village, 13 km away.
- Land Allocation: 58 acres identified for relocation, with 56 acres for cultivation and 2 acres for housing and civic amenities.
- Families have the option of:
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- A financial package of ₹15 lakh per family.
- Two acres of land plus ₹10 lakh, along with benefits from government housing schemes.
- Objective of Relocation: To conserve wildlife habitats and comply with the Wildlife Protection Act.
- Challenges: Lengthy procedure involving coordination between State and Central governments due to relocation from wildlife sanctuary to forest land.
- Current Status: Process initiated after decades of pending discussions.
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About Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Kalaburagi District, North Karnataka.
- Significance:
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- First dry land wildlife sanctuary in South India.
- Also referred to as the “Ooty of Telangana.”
- Major Water Body: Chandrampalli Dam on the Bhima River.
- Cultural Aspect: Sanctuary hosts Lambani Tandas, a protected tribal community residing in the forests.
- Flora: Dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests dominate the core area.
- Acacia and teak plantations found on the fringes.
- Fauna: Species include Blackbuck, Common Fox, Four-horned Antelope, Fruit Bat, Hyena, Indian Wolf, and more.
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