In a significant step towards wildlife conservation and improved living conditions, 27 families from Gavali village in Talewadi—located within the Bhimgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district—have voluntarily agreed to relocate. These families have long lived under the constant threat of wild animal encounters and without access to basic amenities.
Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Ishwar B. Khandre will distribute compensation cheques to these families tomorrow as part of the first phase of the relocation initiative. Each family will receive an initial amount of ₹10 lakh, with an additional ₹5 lakh to be provided after forest officials verify the complete relocation of the families from the sanctuary.
The relocation process was set in motion following Minister Khandre’s visit to Talewadi during the Belagavi Assembly session in December. During his interaction with the residents, the families expressed a willingness to move out voluntarily. The minister then directed officials to initiate the Gram Sabha process and ensure eligible families receive appropriate compensation.
This move is seen as a humane and practical effort to integrate forest dwellers into mainstream society, while also supporting the conservation goals of the Bhimgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
“While most people live with access to modern amenities, these forest-dwelling families face daily hardships—lack of roads, electricity, water, or even basic medical care. In emergencies, getting patients to a hospital from deep within the forest is a major challenge. The voluntary relocation of Gavali village marks an important step forward, and similar efforts will follow for the remaining settlements,” said Minister Khandre.
The government plans to expedite further phases of the relocation, aiming to provide safer, more sustainable living conditions for all forest dwellers who come forward voluntarily.