THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 11: In a promising shift for 57 families relocated from the heart of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, the Jharkhand government is positioning Polpol as a pioneering model of voluntary rehabilitation. These families—from Jaigeer (22) and Kujrum (35)—chose to leave forest-core areas where they had lived for decades, seeking better opportunities and amenities in their new settlement.
On Sunday, Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari visited Polpol with top officials, including Forest Secretary Aboobacker Siddique and Irrigation Secretary Prashant Kumar. Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from Palamu, Garhwa, and Latehar were also present.
A Vision for Voluntary Resettlement
Polpol is being projected as Jharkhand’s first self-motivated resettlement hub—free from coercion or force. The aim: to prove that communities displaced by conservation efforts can be resettled with dignity and support.
Kumar Ashish, an Indian Forest Service officer who served as Deputy Director across both divisions of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, played a pivotal role in the relocation process, overcoming years of stalled attempts.
Fast-tracking Land Rights
The key issue remains land ownership. The 57 households have been settled on forest land, which is currently under Stage II clearance for denotification by the Centre. The State Government has already allocated the land, and the Chief Secretary has called for speedy completion of the denotification process.
Once finalised, land titles will be transferred. Two routes are under consideration:
- Registered Deed (Kebala): The preferred option for settlers. However, the current stamp fee for 5 acres is prohibitively expensive for these families. The administration is exploring a waiver or nominal fee structure.
- Bandobasti (land allocation without sale rights): Though available, most settlers favour the security and legacy of a registered deed.
Aadhaar & Ration Card Updates Underway
Deputy Development Commissioner Shabbir Ahmad confirmed that updates to Aadhaar addresses are being fast-tracked. Similarly, Public Distribution System (PDS) access is being restructured to bring ration delivery closer to the community, possibly directly to their doorsteps.
Reviving Community Institutions
Sakhi Mandals (women’s self-help groups) are set for revival, with the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society taking the lead. The administration envisions Polpol not just as a settlement, but as a thriving model community.
Essential Services in the Pipeline
Plans are in motion to establish schools, anganwadi centres (childcare), basic health facilities, and improve existing infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation, lighting, and pathways.
A Sense of Security—and Hope
While many settlers still feel the emotional weight of leaving their ancestral homes, the overwhelming sentiment is one of safety and opportunity. “It’s a historic moment,” said Medininagar DFO Satyam Kumar. “This relocation was shaped by the people themselves, supported by the forest administration.”
The Polpol experiment is expected to guide nearly 30 similar resettlement efforts across Jharkhand.
