The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has approved shifting of three more villages Chirhatta, Birarpani and Tilai Dabra from Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR). The shifting of these villages will take about two years. Six villages were shifted 13 years ago when Achanakmar was a sanctuary. After shifting of three villages, 16 more villages will remain inside the forest. After 13 years of formation of ATR, the Centre has given approval to shift three villages outside the forest area. The plan to shift 19 villages was prepared five years ago and the proposal to shift three villages in the first phase was sent to the Central Government for approval. After sanctions, these villages will be shifted to Sawantpur and Bharatpur villages of Lormi range.

 

For this, 255.300 hectares of land has been selected by the government. Five years ago, when the proposal to shift these three villages out of ATR was sent to the Central Government, there were 133 families. Now as the families have increased in these five years, a fresh survey will be conducted before sending the final proposal to Central Government for approval. Deputy Director of ATR, Vishnu Nair said that three villages have been approved for shifting outside the jungle area. He said that land has been selected in Sawantpur and Bharatpur villages in Lormi range to shift the three villages.

 

Among these villages, Tilai Dabra village will be settled on 126.500 hectares land in Sawantpur village, Birarpani village on 119.389 hectares land in Bharatpur village and Chirhatta village will be settled on 9.411 hectares land also in Bharatpur village. There are also few villagers who have demanded amount in exchange for houses and fields. The matter is pending with the government and after approval an amount of Rs 15 lakh will be given to such families.