Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: Reflections from the Field

Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) was established in 1986 and since then various environmental projects have been introduced in the region, across the three southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Local tribal communities have been protesting against these projects, both for its vision and politics that disregard their traditional association with forests. The article substantiates on both these protestations. There have been significant shifts in the governance of forest areas following the establishment of the NBR. Environmental projects have initiated host of actors and interest groups who, along with state departments, play a critical role in the management of forest resources. The focus would be on enunciating the ensuing politics and its implications on the lives of local tribal communities