Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary – Protecting nature while respecting indigenous rights

Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamenglong, Manipur, is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It is home to rare and endangered species like the Hoolock gibbon, clouded leopard, and Indian bison.
Protecting this ecological zone is essential, but conservation should not come at the cost of displacing the indigenous Rongmei Naga people, who have lived on these lands for generations.
The main issue is land ownership. Several Rongmei Naga villages claim that the sanctuary includes their ancestral lands. When Zeilad was declared a protected area, restrictions were placed on farming, fishing, and hunting—activities that the local communities depend on for survival. This has led to tension between forest authorities and indigenous groups. The lack of proper consultation and clear boundaries has only made matters worse.
India’s Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, was meant to protect the land rights of tribal communities, allowing them to live in and use forest resources responsibly. However, in many cases, including Zeilad, these rights have been ignored in favor of strict conservation laws. The government must ensure that conservation efforts do not push indigenous communities into poverty.
A successful solution would be a community-based conservation (CBC) model, where local people help manage and protect the sanctuary. This approach has worked in places like Khonoma in Nagaland, where the local community actively participates in conservation while also benefiting from eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods.
For Zeilad, this means allowing indigenous communities to be active partners in conservation.
Creating eco-tourism opportunities that generate income for local people.
Respecting traditional knowledge and practices that have helped maintain biodiversity for generations.
The Need for an Agreement (MoU)
To resolve the disputes and create a fair conservation strategy, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be signed between the government, tribal councils, conservation groups, and NGOs. This agreement should:
Recognize traditional land rights under the Forest Rights Act. Establish joint management between local communities and forest authorities. Develop a revenue-sharing model so eco-tourism benefits local people. Clearly define protected zones to avoid land disputes. Invest in sustainable development projects like organic farming, education, and healthcare.
Who Should Be Involved?
For the MoU to be effective, key stakeholders must be included:
Government bodies like the Forest Department, Ministry of Environment, and Manipur Tribal Affairs.
Indigenous representatives such as the Rongmei Naga Council and local village authorities. Conservation groups like the Wildlife Institute of India and WWF-India.
Funding organizations such as the North Eastern Council and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support sustainable initiatives. Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary must be protected, but not at the cost of indigenous rights. A balanced approach—where conservation efforts work with local communities instead of against them—will lead to better outcomes for both nature and people.
The government must act now to create a fair, sustainable, and inclusive conservation model that benefits everyone.
Mathew Rongmei