There is a reason why the implementation of the controversial Tribal Act has been held up. Before the government comes up with final rules to enforce the law, it wants to complete another mammoth exercise — preparing guidelines for declaring large tracts of forest land as “critical wildlife habitats”. This will restrict the area where the Tribal Act is applicable.

The Act recognises the rights of tribals over forest land they have been occupying for generations. The Bill was passed by the Parliament in December 2006 after sharp differences between tribal activists and wildlife enthusiasts who believed that the Act would sound the death knell for several wildlife species on the brink.

To protect tigers, the government is planning to declare an “inviolate area” of at least 800-1200 square kilometers in every tiger reserve. Each of these reserves may have 1000 sq km of buffer. An estimated Rs 10 lakh will be paid to each tribal family in this area for relocation.

“This exercise is under the provision of the Act,” said Rajesh Gopal, director, Project Tiger. According to officials at the Ministry of Environment and Forests, this is on the basis of the Tiger Estimation exercise undertaken by the Wildlife Institute of India. It is the “bare minimum area” for any forest to support even 60-70 tigers.

Tribal activists disagree. “This is not scientific and is being done in haste. These boundaries are to be mapped in all the tiger reserves in 30 days. How can a site-specific process, meant to be based on real ecological situation be completed within 30 days?” said Shankar Gopalakrishnan of the Campaign for Survival and Dignity. Tribal activists plan a jail bharo andolan from October 2.