State PCS - Jharkhand (JPSC)

• 05 May 2025

Palamu Tiger Reserve

Why in News? 

Authorities have successfully relocated Jaigir, the first village inside the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), entirely outside its core area. This relocation reduces biotic pressure on the wild habitat and creates a human-free space for wild animals to thrive. 

 Key Points 

• First Fully Relocated Village in PTR: 
  • Jaigir village has been relocated to a 75-acre site near Polpol, just outside the reserve's core area, with improved infrastructure and transport access. 
  • The original site of Jaigir will be developed into a grassland to attract herbivores, which in turn could support tiger conservation by enriching the prey base. 
  • Authorities have identified eight more villages within the core area for future relocation. 
• Compensation Strategy: 
  • As families had multiple claimants, authorities gave land to one member per household and compensated others with Rs 15 lakh.  
  • While permanent homes are being built, the forest department has provided temporary housing. 

 Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR)  

• Palamu Tiger Reserve was established in 1974 under Project Tiger.  
• It is the first such sanctuary in the world, where tiger census was done on the basis of footprint count.  
• 'Betla National Park' is situated in 226.32 sq km within the Palamu Tiger Reserve, spread over a total area of 1130 sq km in Latehar district of Jharkhand.