Relocation: Uncovering Realtities of Development and Wildlife Conservation in Kerala.

Abstract

ABSTRACT.

The Adivasis of Kerala historically remained outside of the developmental yardstick of the ‘Kerala model development. Despite the constitutional and legal protection, Adivasis still lag behind as beneficiaries of the development model. This has led to many conflicts between the state and Adivasis in Kerala. It, thus demands conscientious attention to reshaping the state’s planning and development to be inclusive of indigenous people. This paper analyses how the state’s planning of conservation fails to understand Adivasi aspirations, and how the protective provisions of the constitution and other legal safeguards sabotage in the name of conservation. This paper examines the relocation program promoted by the conservation planning of GoI in the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Kerala with special reference to the Kattunayakan community (PVTG).  The paper discusses practices and procedures of relocation that occur in the sanctuary, and how the state’s agenda of people free conservation policy violates protective mechanisms