Tribal lobby stalls Bill meant to empower Project Tiger

In its report, the Prime Minister appointed Tiger Task Force recommended the setting up of TCA for effective conservation. But the tribal lobby has been opposing the Wildlife Act amendment Bill, arguing that it would prevent forest dwelling tribals their right to land. The Tribal Act Bill is likely to be tabled in the next session of Parliament.

Though Dasmunsi claimed that the Wildlife Act amendment Bill would be tabled during the current session, it is likely to wait till the monsoon session as no Bill is likely to be tabled this session after Friday. ‘‘The gameplan is simple. If the Tribal Bill is tabled first, this amendment Bill will have to be diluted accordingly,’’ pointed out a top Ministry of Environment and Forest official.

According to sources, tribal rights activist Madhu Sarin joined hands with Brinda Karat, CPI(M) MP and a member of the JPC on tribal Bill, who in turn, convinced Dasmunsi to defer the Wildlife Act amendment Bill so that certain key changes could be worked out.

When contacted, Brinda Karat claimed it was ‘‘logical’’ that the Wildlife Act amendment Bill should wait for the JPC on the Tribal Bill.

The tribal rights activists oppose the Wildlife Act amendment Bill due to two provisions in it — the TCA’s control over the tiger bearing forests outside national parks and sanctuaries, and its power to ensure that such forests are not diverted for ecologically unsustainable uses — which they argue limit the scope of the Tribal Bill.