A New Dawn for Forest- Dwelling Families: ‘Navakiranam’ Lights Up Lives of 1,000 Households

Nilambur: As part of Kerala’s ongoing efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict, the Forest Department’s Navakiranam project has successfully brought new beginnings to 1,018 families by relocating them from deep forest interiors to safer, more accessible areas. These families, who are non-tribal forest dwellers, have now been given a second chance at life through proper rehabilitation and support.

Out of the total beneficiaries, 796 families have been fully rehabilitated, while 222 families have received partial assistance so far. The project focuses on relocating non-tribal communities living in remote and scattered forest settlements, helping integrate them into mainstream society while also reducing pressure on forest ecosystems.

A total of 136.05 crore rupees has been spent on the project through funding from KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) and the Rebuild Kerala Development Programme (RKDP). Each of the 796 families received 15 lakh rupees as full rehabilitation support. The 222 families received an initial installment of 7.5 lakh rupees each, with the balance to be paid after meeting project conditions.

The district with the highest number of beneficiaries is Wayanad, where 318 families have participated. Among these, 255 families were fully rehabilitated and 63 received the first installment of financial assistance.

The beneficiaries are classified based on their living conditions, those with permanent residences and those without. Once a deserving applicant receives the first installment, they are required to shift to the new location within a month, as per the agreement. Following the move, the Forest Department will officially take over the vacated forest land. The remaining amount is released upon completion of the property registration process.

Apart from housing and relocation, Navakiranam also offers livelihood training and skill development support to help these families build a sustainable future. One-time assistance, vocational training, and income-generation programs are being provided to ensure that the families not only find a new home but also a new way of life.