Authorities of the Buxa Tiger Reserve on Wednesday distributed a part of their revenue earnings among joint forest management committees of villages on the fringes of the reserve.

The committees comprise mostly residents of forest villages and a few foresters. Together, the committee members work for the conservation of forests and wildlife.

Altogether, there are 60 JFMCs in the BTR area. On Wednesday, a sum of Rs 52 lakh was distributed among these committees.

“After the Covid-19 pandemic, tourists have again started visiting the BTR. In the past fiscal (2022-23), we earned Rs 1.29 crore as entry fees. As per the rules, the forest committes are entitled to receive a portion of the earnings. Accordingly, the share was given to them,” said Apruba Sen, field director of the reserve.

Back in 1990, JFMCs were formed to check illegal activities inside forest areas. With time, the committees also discouraged forest dwellers from engaging in such activities and instead take part in the conservation of forests.

The committees, foresters said, also help them in mitigating human-elephant conflicts. On a number of occasions, these committee members and other villagers spontaneously help the foresters steer elephants and other animals who stray inside human habitats back into the forests.

“Their participation helps us to protect forest areas as there is a shortage of staff in the department. The revenue share given to them can be used for community-based work for everyone's benefit,” said a senior forest official.