Today 27 families received the initial Rs 1 million for relocation from Gawali village

Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre will visit Saturday villages within the Bhimgad Wildlife Reserve to facilitate voluntary relocation outside the reserve.

As a first step, he will allocate checks for each family in the 27 families in the village of Gavalli near the shelter Talewadi.

After they are completely reset, they will be given another Rs 5 lakh.

Mr Candre said he met with residents during his visit to Bellagarve during the winter meeting. These families complained about the lack of infrastructure and amenities for isolation and living and expressed a desire to move out.

“They are also living under the ongoing threats encountered by wildlife. We will promote shelter outside their actions,” he said.

He has issued an order to the Ministry of Forestry and Panchayat Raj officials to organize Gram Sabahas, to pass resolutions to make voluntary displacement and to approve payments for incentives.

“It will achieve the purpose of integrating forest residents into the mainstream and ensuring proper protection of shelters,” the minister said.

Forest residents lack roads, electricity and eavesdropping water and basic medical services. The minister said in a press release that the voluntary relocation of the village of Gawali marked an important step forward and that the rest of the forest settlements would make similar efforts.