In the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, along the banks of the temperamental Jayanti River, resided the small village of Bhutia Basti. Founded before India’s independence, this community, primarily of Bhutanese descent, faced a unique set of challenges. Living within the core area of Buxa Tiger Reserve meant contending with nature’s fury, particularly the annual floods that cut them off from the outside world. Dolomite mining, their primary livelihood, ceased in 1983 when the area became a wildlife sanctuary. Limited opportunities for sustenance, coupled with constant human-animal conflict, painted a grim picture for Bhutia Basti’s future.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, IFS officer Debashish Sharma, currently posted as the Deputy Field Director of Buxa Tiger Reserve, East shared about the whole relocation process that took place to move the villagers to their new homes.
NTCA GUIDELINE
Recognizing these hardships, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) prioritizes relocating villages from core areas to safeguard wildlife habitats. Following these guidelines, the Forest Department reached out to Bhutia Basti’s 78 families. “Fortunately, the villagers understood the ecological importance of their relocation and willingly opted for a new beginning,” Mr. Sharma shared.
The NTCA offers two options for relocation: a cash compensation package or resettlement in a designated buffer zone with land, housing, and essential amenities. Bhutia Basti chose the former, receiving a substantial compensation of Rs. 15 lakh per adult (aged 18 and above).
FROM BHUTIA BASTI TO BONOCHAYA
This initiative wasn’t solely driven by wildlife conservation. Uplifting the socio-economic conditions of the villagers was equally important. The Alipurduar District Administration provided each beneficiary family with 8 decimals of land patta (land ownership rights) in a non-forest area called BonoChaya Village, a name bestowed by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, meaning ‘Forest Shelter’ or ‘Forest Life’.
Mr. Sharma informed me that ‘BonoChaya’ was envisioned as a model village. Various departments were tasked with constructing essential infrastructure—a reliable water supply, electricity, schools, roads, streetlights, and an Anganwadi center (rural childcare center). Work on these projects has already begun.
The Forest Department ensured a smooth transition for Bhutia Basti’s residents. Their share from the Eco-Tourism Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) fund was utilized for dismantling and transporting their homes to BonoChaya. Initial support included camping tents, water tankers, and lighting to ease the relocation process. Financial literacy workshops were also conducted to equip them with the knowledge to avoid potential banking scams.
A NEW DAWN FOR BHUTIA BASTI
Remarkably, within two months of receiving the first compensation installment, the entire village shifted to BonoChaya. This swift and successful execution is a first in West Bengal. The final installment was released in March 2024, marking the culmination of this long-awaited project.
Bhutia Basti’s relocation benefits both wildlife and the community. “The vacated core area will become a haven for tigers, planned for reintroduction within the next six months or a year,” Mr. Sharma shared with Indian Masterminds. This initiative addresses the declining tiger population in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, creating a win-win situation for conservation and human safety.
RICH BIODIVERSITY
The Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal, spanning 760 square kilometers, boasts rich biodiversity within its moist deciduous forests. Bhutia Basti’s relocation, along with the previous resettlement of Gangutia Basti, paves the way for similar positive interventions in the future.
BonoChaya Village holds immense promise. The West Bengal government envisions it as a model village, a testament to successful rehabilitation, and a beacon of hope for communities residing within core wildlife zones.
