Senkathirvanan, K. and Menon, Ajit creator text Economic & Political Weekly monographic eng

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61(25), Jun 20, 2026: p.23-27 The idea of “voluntary” relocation in the context of conservation-induced displacement in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu is examined. Drawing on the experiences of the Kattu Naickars, it argues that voluntariness is often produced through the denial of amenities, services, forest access and rights rather than through informed consent. Engaging with the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 and the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the article highlights how legal and administrative processes facilitate displacement while marginalising forest-dwelling communities and their claims to justice and coexistence.- Reproduced https://www.epw.in/journal/2026/25/commentary/home-forest.html Economic & Political Weekly 260713