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This report by Natural Justice and KRAPAVIS documents the bio-cultural practices, traditional resource governance, and socio-economic challenges of forest-dependent communities within the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan, India. Based on participatory workshops held between September 2014 and August 2015, the document highlights the tension between traditional livelihoods—primarily semi-pastoralism—and state-led conservation efforts, including the notification of Critical Tiger Habitats and the relocation of villages.

• The Sariska Tiger Reserve is home to a multi-demographic population, with the semi-pastoralist Gujjar community forming the majority. The reserve's core areas contain approximately 28 villages, some of which are single-community (such as Lilunda and Bera) and others that are multi-demographic (such as Nathusar and Kalikhol).
• Local communities employ a sophisticated traditional landscape classification and resource management system. They divide their territory into 'pahad' (hills), 'maala' (hill plateaus), and 'khola' (valleys), with specific areas designated as 'roondhs' for general grazing and 'devbannis' (sacred groves) which are actively conserved through community rules and managed by a sadhu.
• The livelihood of these communities is centered on livestock (buffalo, goats, and camels) and the collection of forest resources for food, fodder, and fuel. They practice seasonal grazing, migrating to hills in winter using temporary sheds called 'Guada' and moving to other villages or states like Haryana during the summer to allow resources to regenerate.
• Historical records indicate that the Sariska Valley was formed in 1916 by the Princely State of Alwar through the acquisition of ten revenue villages. Despite a determined compensation of 78,094 rupees 13 paisa and 6 anna, the funds were not paid because villagers deserted the area due to the vengeful administration of forest laws.
• Communities face significant legal and tenure insecurity. Grazing permits were unilaterally revoked in the 1970s when the area became a tiger reserve, and the report states that the Forest Rights Act, 2006 is not being implemented by authorities in the Sariska Reserve, leaving villagers subject to fines and the seizure of livestock.
• The notification of 881.11 sq km as a Critical Tiger Habitat under the 2006 amendment to the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, has led to the listing of 28 core villages for relocation. Those relocated to Maujpur Roondh have received only temporary land pattas valid for 10 years and lack essential services like functioning schools or community halls.
• Compensation for livestock killed by tigers is described as a tedious and arbitrary process. To claim compensation, villagers must provide a panchayat certificate of ownership, a Van Pal certification of the cause of death, and a photograph of the animal, yet many report that compensation is not granted to everyone.

APA

Jojan'}, {. '., Singh'}, {. '., & Balaji'}, {. '. (n.d.). -1. Natural Justice. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Narration-Biocultural-Practices-Sariska-Tiger-Reserve.pdf

Chicago

Jojan'}, {'name': 'Alphonsa, {'name': 'Aman Singh'}, and {'name': 'Bhuvana Balaji'}. -1. Natural Justice, n.d. https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Narration-Biocultural-Practices-Sariska-Tiger-Reserve.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Jojan'} |first1={'name': 'Alphonsa |last2=Singh'} |first2={'name': 'Aman |last3=Balaji'} |first3={'name': 'Bhuvana |title=-1 |publisher=Natural Justice |url=https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Narration-Biocultural-Practices-Sariska-Tiger-Reserve.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{jojannd, author = {Jojan'\}, \{'name': 'Alphonsa and Singh'\}, \{'name': 'Aman and Balaji'\}, \{'name': 'Bhuvana}, title = {{-1}}, institution = {Natural Justice}, url = {https://naturaljustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Narration-Biocultural-Practices-Sariska-Tiger-Reserve.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }