Already under criticism for the decline in the number of tigers, as reported in the Wildlife Institute of India census, the State Forest Department is initiating a number of plans to enhance the number of the protected available to the wildlife. Under one such plan, the department aims to wean away communities traditionally engaged in hunting by offering them alternative sources of livelihood.

The Mogiya community, infamous for being dreaded poachers would now be provided alternative sources of livelihood with the intention of weaning them away from their traditional role. The Mogiyas are found in substantial numbers in the districts of Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Traditionally, the Mogiyas have been hunters and worked as trackers and guides for erstwhile rulers on lookout for shikar. Mogiyas have been involved in trade of animal merchandise and a Mogiya link was also found in poaching cases unearthed in Ranthambore and Sariska.

Vikram Parihar, Deputy Director of Palpur Kuno Sanctuary while speaking to The Pioneer said that 92 Mogiya families have been identified living in the vicinity of the reserve. While 29 families have land of their own, the remaining depend on seasonal employment.

Under a plan to provide a source of livelihood for the Mogiyas, the forest department has prepared a project as per which Mogiyas with land would be provided assistance to make their lands more remunerative. "Land development options like digging wells and training in agricultural practices are being considered for the landed Mogiyas," Parihar said. For the Mogiyas without land, they would be employed as chowkidars and informers by the forest department.

The Tiger Conservation Authority under the Government of India has pledged Rs 2.5 lakh for the rehabilitation plan. Recently, Union Ministry of Environment and Forests Secretary Pradipto Ghosh visited Palpur Kuno and also supported the idea for rehabilitation.

Parihar said that in the next phase, schools and hostels for Mogiyas children would be also be set up. "The idea is to alienate the children from traditional activities of their forefathers," he said. In Ranthambhor, a hostel for Mogiya children has already been set up