Stalled relocation of Kolsa in TATR begins

TNN | Dec 19, 2011, 01.27AM IST NAGPUR: In a major move, the state government has once again set in motion the stalled resettlement of villages in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). On Sunday, as a symbolic gesture, a cheque of Rs 25,000 each was handed over to four families from Kolsa by state environment minister Sanjay Deotale in Chandrapur. Principal secretary (forests) Praveen Pardeshi, field director VK Sinha, Harshwardhan and Poonam Dhanwatey of Tiger Research and Conservation Trust (TRACT), who will do hand-handling to expedite the relocation process, were also present. In 2007, 39 landless families of Kolsa and the entire Botezari village were resettled in Tolewahi in Mul tehsil. The remaining 97 families had refused to move out. The relocation of Kolsa village was stalled since then. It started afresh after the relocation package was enhanced to Rs 10 lakh per family by the Centre. After negotiations by TRACT, the 31 families agreed to move out. All opted for Option-I and will be paid Rs 10 lakh. In Option-I, four families were handed over a cheque of Rs 25,000 by Deotale. Of the balance amount, a fixed deposit (FD) of Rs 3 lakh for 5 years, and another FD of Rs 2 lakh for two years will be opened in the name of family head and wife. The balance amount will be deposited in savings account. The cut-off date has been extended to 2003 and more family members will add to the list. At another function, a cheque of Rs 47,000 was handed over to each family resettled in Tolewahi. Deotale promised to bring in all civic amenities which are missing in Tolewahi. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Stalled-relocation-of-Kolsa-in-TATR-begins/articleshow/11160768.cms