Gujarat CM announces relocation scheme for Maldharis from Gir Forest lion habitat
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday announced a voluntary relocation scheme for Maldharis—semi-nomadic pastoralists—from Barda Wildlife Sanctuary in Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. The sanctuary, spanning 192.31 square kilometres, is being developed as a 'second home' for Asiatic lions alongside Gir Forest.
Under the scheme, eligible Maldharis families will receive Rs 15 lakh per family for voluntary relocation outside the sanctuary area, to be paid in a single instalment. The government will allot a 100-square-yard plot free of cost to each relocating family for housing, subject to applicable rules. Land will be provided near villages outside sanctuary boundaries and eco-sensitive zones, at a distance of 10 km from municipal corporation limits and 5 km from municipality limits. If a family owns livestock, a plot up to 100 square yards may be provided as per requirement, with the market value deducted from the Rs 15 lakh assistance.
CM Patel announced the scheme during the 77th Van Mahotsav in Porbandar. The scheme follows guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. A state-level committee has been constituted under the Principal Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department to guide and review the scheme, while district-level committees have been constituted under respective District Collectors.
