Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamenglong, Manipur, is a
treasure trove of biodiversity. It is home to rare and endangered species like
the Hoolock gibbon, clouded leopard, and Indian bison. Protecting this
ecological zone is essential, but conservation should not come at the cost of
displacing the indigenous Rongmei Naga people, who have lived on these lands
for generations.
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- The main issue is land ownership. Several Rongmei Naga
villages claim that the sanctuary includes their ancestral lands. When Zeilad
was declared a protected area, restrictions were placed on farming, fishing,
and hunting—activities that the local communities depend on for survival. This
has led to tension between forest authorities and indigenous groups. The lack
of proper consultation and clear boundaries has only made matters worse.
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- India’s Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, was meant to protect
the land rights of tribal communities, allowing them to live in and use forest
resources responsibly. However, in many cases, including Zeilad, these rights
have been ignored in favor of strict conservation laws. The government must
ensure that conservation efforts do not push indigenous communities into
poverty.
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- A successful solution would be a community-based
conservation (CBC) model, where local people help manage and protect the
sanctuary. This approach has worked in places like Khonoma in Nagaland, where
the local community actively participates in conservation while also benefiting
from eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods.
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- For Zeilad, this means allowing indigenous communities to be
active partners in conservation.
- Creating eco-tourism opportunities that generate income for
local people.
- Respecting traditional knowledge and practices that have
helped maintain biodiversity for generations.
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- The Need for an Agreement (MoU)
- To resolve the disputes and create a fair conservation
strategy, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be signed between the
government, tribal councils, conservation groups, and NGOs. This agreement
should:
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- Recognize traditional land rights under the Forest Rights
Act.
- Establish joint management between local communities and
forest authorities.
- Develop a revenue-sharing model so eco-tourism benefits
local people.
- Clearly define protected zones to avoid land disputes.
