Idu-Mishmi apex body says no to proposed Dibang tiger reserve
Recently, the Idu Mishmi, an indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh, have been protesting against a proposed tiger reserve in the state.
According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in India’s Arunachal Pradesh is set to become a tiger reserve.
Idu Mishmi
- They are a sub-tribe of the Mishmi group (the other two Mishmi groups are the Digaru and the Mizu) in Arunachal Pradesh, and are closely related to the flora and fauna of the region.
- According to Idu mythology, tigers are their “elder brothers”, and their belief system of myths and taboos protects many animals, including a ban on killing tigers.
- The Idu Mishmis are an example of a ‘cultural model of conservation’ and support wildlife conservation.
- According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WPA), the recognized rights of forest dwellers and tribes in the forest areas of core and critical tiger reserves can be modified or these communities can be rehabilitated.
- The main objective behind this is to ensure uninterrupted movement of tiger or other wild animals. A similar provision has also been made in the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- People of the Idu Mishmi community say that their movement in the forest will be obstructed due to the declaration of Tiger Reserve.
- WLSs have fewer restrictions than tiger reserves. WLS is open to the movement of people and its boundaries are also not restrictive.
Tiger Reserve
The notification of Tiger Reserve is issued by the State Government. A tiger reserve is declared under Section – 38V of the WPA, 1972 on the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- NTCA was established in 2005 following the recommendation of the Tiger Task Force.
- It was formed by the Prime Minister of India to reorganize management of Project Tiger and several tiger reserves in India.
- It is headed by the Minister of Environment and Forests. It’s headquarter is located in New Delhi.
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
- Adjacent to Mouling National Park, the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the 1980s. Later in 1988, as per UNESCO guidelines, these areas together became part of the Dibang Biosphere Reserve, one of the world’s major bio-diversity hotspots.
- It is located within the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve. It is located near Anini district in Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalayas). The Dibang River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River flows through it.
Source – Indian Express
