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By Muskan Khandelwal
In the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, along the banks of the temperamental Jayanti River, resided the small village of Bhutia Basti. Founded before India’s independence, this community, primarily of Bhutanese descent, faced a unique set of challenges. Living within the core area of Buxa Tiger Reserve meant contending with nature’s fury, particularly the annual floods that cut them off from the outside world. Dolomite mining, their primary livelihood, ceased in 1983 when the area became a wildlife sanctuary. Limited opportunities for sustenance, coupled with constant human-animal conflict, painted a grim picture for Bhutia Basti’s future.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, IFS officer Debashish Sharma, currently posted as the Deputy Field Director of Buxa Tiger Reserve, shared about the whole relocation process that took place to move the villagers to their new homes.
Read Full Story https://indianmasterminds.com/features/beyond-headlines/bhutia-basti-relocates-embraces-new-beginnings-at-bonochaya/