M'rashtra families hit by forest rehab plans to get more aid

Maharashtra government has decided to provide additional compensation to families affected by rehabilitation projects of the forest department.
A Government Resolution (GR) in this regard has been issued by the department. The fresh assistance will be over and above the regular rehabilitation package in place for families affected by such projects.
"This will benefit villages whose residents will be rehabilitated outside national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves. This will also benefit families whose rehabilitation is not complete yet," Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar told reporters here.
"We have decided to exclude the cost of land and solatium from the rehabilitation package and award it separately with a view to encourage villagers to come forward for shifting outside the areas of national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves.

"Thus, families whose land is acquired with their consent will now receive the full cost of land and solatium along with benefits under the existing rehabilitation package," Mungantiwar said.
Currently, the rehabilitation package is of Rs 10 lakh per family, including the cost of land.

"The amount required over and above the prescribed norm of Rs l0 lakh will be met from the state funds. After shifting villages outside the forest area and making it free from human interference, the improved quality of sanctuaries and national parks will benefit the entire state.
"This will also help in ensuring a sustained livelihood for families who have sacrificed their own interests for the betterment of the state. Keeping these facts in mind, we have decided to provide additional compensation," he said.

The demand for actual cost of land in addition to the rehabilitation package by affected families had been pending from several years. Mungantiwar had convened meetings to expedite the issue and subsequently issued the GR.