Battling for control

29/11/1993
Down To Earth

Battling for control VAN GUJJARS of the proposed Rajaji national park have asserted their right over the forest in no uncertain terms. And, unlike in 1992 when officials blocked their traditional migratory path, no attempt was made to stop them this year.

The authorities, however, were stumped when the Gujjars put forward their proposal to manage the sanctuary. A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) -- under the initiative of the Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra (RLEK) and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) -- have jointly endorsed the involvement of the Gujjars in the management.

The Wildlife Act, 1972, and its amendment in 1991 eroded the Gujjars' traditional right to graze their cattle in the forest and gather minor forest produce. Though faced with eviction from their traditional forest huts, they have refused to budge and have gone a step further by demanding a say in the park's management.

The Gujjars say they will then shoulder the responsibility of regenerating the forest, protecting the core areas and guarding against poaching and timber smuggling. They will pay higher taxes by giving the government the money they currently spend as bribes. In return, they want a fraction of what the government spends on the park's bureaucracy. They say the government can also set feasible biological goals, which they will achieve within a reasonable stipulated time.

NGOs have lauded this as a model for park management across India because it involves local communities in the sustainable management of natural resources. Says C R Bijoy, a social activist from Coimbatore, "While each of the sanctuaries and regions have unique characteristics, a beginning has to be made in suggesting a clear alternative model for conservation. The Gujjars have indeed set a unique example."

But officials remain sceptical and blame the Gujjars for land degradation. Kaushal says RLEK's attempts to develop an adult education programme for Gujjars has been opposed by conservationists who say educational activities should be outside national parks and sanctuaries. Fortunately, the ministry of education came to Kaushal's rescue.

Responding to a letter from CSE and Kaushal, in which the Gujjars' management proposal was outlined, Union environment minister Kamal Nath said, "The management of national parks falls within the jurisdiction of state governments and the matter should be taken up with them." But he verbally conceded that national parks cannot be protected by building walls around them. Uttar Pradesh forest officials counter this by saying there is little they can do as wildlife laws are passed by the Union government.

Nath admitted the experiment could be worthwhile, but cautioned against it unleashing demands from vested interests to take over other sanctuaries, which would cause the situation to get out of hand.

Kaushal responds, "All political parties have been sympathetic to the cause of the Gujjars, and their manifestos have extended support to the management plan." This, he believes, is a clear indication that Gujjars are nearing their objective.

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