Ahmedabad: The Gujarat govt will provide Rs 15 lakh and a free 100-square-yard residential plot to each eligible Maldhari family that voluntarily relocates from Barda Wildlife Sanctuary under a rehabilitation package formalised through a govt resolution.The scheme aims to protect wildlife within the sanctuary while enabling Maldhari families to access govt development programmes. Each eligible family will receive a one-time payment of Rs 15 lakh. The amount will be paid in a single instalment in line with National Tiger Conservation Authority guidelines.Barda Wildlife Sanctuary was home to 26 Asiatic lions in Aug 2026, up from 17 in Aug 2025.Families that relocate will forfeit any recognised rights or interests in the sanctuary area and will not qualify for further compensation.The govt will also allot each relocating family a free 100-square-yard residential plot. District-level committees will identify suitable land outside the sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone. The site must be at least 10km from municipal corporation limits and 5km from municipality limits. Land may be allotted near an existing village to support group resettlement.The package includes provision for families that own livestock. They may receive a separate plot of up to 1,000 square yards for their animals. The land will be allotted at market value, which will be deducted from the Rs 15 lakh compensation. The remaining amount will be paid to the family.The resolution defines eligibility for separate family units. Every son above 18 years will be treated as a separate family, irrespective of marital status. Unmarried daughters and sisters above 18, persons with physical or mental disabilities, minor orphans who have lost both parents, widows and divorced women will also qualify as separate families, even when living with relatives.Collectors of Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka will head district-level committees tasked with verifying family details, scrutinising supporting documents, deciding eligibility and identifying relocation sites. A state-level committee led by the additional chief secretary of the forest department will supervise implementation.Families choosing relocation may also receive priority under state housing and animal husbandry schemes.
