Forest Rights Dispute in Madhya Pradesh
The establishment of the Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh in 2023 has triggered a forest rights dispute, with 52 villages raising concerns over alleged eviction threats and denial of rights. The reserve, spanning 2,339 sq. km, was created by merging two sanctuaries to compensate for forest loss due to the Ken Betwa River linking project. Villagers allege violations of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA). The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has intervened, urging state authorities to ensure compliance with legal safeguards and respect community rights. Sustainable conservation and community participation remain key challenges.
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