Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve - Equitable Tourism Options

explained in detail the harassment and pressures exerted by the forest
officials, the departments strategies to divide the Adivasis and also the
sudden emergence of dubious associations in the name of Adivasis ever
since the Eco-development project was proposed. What the Adivasis are
seeking is self-rule that has the constitutional support. Where people's
participation in preserving and managing the nation's forest cover shall be
the model. The Adivasis of Nagarhole asserted to the World Bank inspection
panel that all they wanted was a dignified life, but not the World Bank's
money.
Restrictions on adivasis due to the implementation of the Ecodevelopment
Project
As a result of the declaration of the area as a National park and the
highhanded actions of the Government in terms of attempting resettlement
without understanding the sensitivities or specificities of the issue, the
adivasis have been the losers. The following restrictions illustrate the
process by which their sustenance and cultural base has been eroded and
attempts to squeeze them out of the park have been made:
1. No cultivation of any kind.
2. Livestock and dogs are not allowed to be kept by the adivasis.
3. No hunting is allowed.
4. No renovation of houses is allowed.
5. No digging of bore wells.
6. A total ban on collection of minor forest produces like tubers,
mushrooms and other wild vegetables and fruit.
7. No entry to their sacred sites and burial grounds.
A ban on their traditional music and dance forms.
8.
Genesis of conflicts: Gateway Hotels and Getaway Resorts
Awarded the contract from the Forest Department of Karnataka to run the
jungle lodge in Nagarhole in 1994, the Gateway Hotels and Getaway
Resorts, an associate company of the Taj Group of Hotels was determined to
position the lodge as India's first eco friendly resort.
On 28/6/94, the Forest Department and the Taj Group registered a lease
agreement taking over this land. The details that we decided on are as
follows:
Area
Lease
24 acres
18years
33 NilQgiris : Foding Glory