Odisha Human Rights Commission Mandates High-Level Probe into Satkosia Tiger Reserve Relocation Irregularities
The Odisha Human Rights Commission has issued a stern directive for a comprehensive, high-level inquiry into the controversial relocation of villages from the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The commission has pulled up the state government for what it describes as "large-scale irregularities" in the process, flagging serious violations of statutory safeguards and human rights.
Commission Flags Multiple Violations in Relocation Process
The OHRC order, passed on February 9, came in response to petitions from residents of Bhurukundi, Asanbahal, Kataranga, Tuluka, Tikarapada, Gopalpur and other habitations. These petitioners alleged coercion, forgery, unfair exclusion and severe hardship during the relocation drive conducted in recent years.
After examining records, notifications and testimonies from affected villagers and officials, the commission concluded that the relocation process suffered from "serious procedural infirmities." The panel found that the administration bypassed National Tiger Conservation Authority norms and ignored mandatory processes under the Forest Rights Act.
Procedural Lapses and Consent Issues
The commission identified multiple violations, including the absence of valid Gram Sabha consent and non-settlement of forest rights before relocation. In several cases, Forest Rights Act rights were not recognized or settled prior to relocation, rendering any consent legally invalid according to the commission's findings.
Many Gram Sabhas were either not held at all, convened without proper notice, or conducted without the required quorum. The commission noted that these circumstances "do not inspire confidence" about the voluntariness of the relocation process.
Beneficiary Exclusion and Compensation Issues
The OHRC flagged non-transparent beneficiary enumeration, citing altered lists that were not publicly disclosed. This led to wrongful exclusion of married daughters, persons with disabilities and long-term residents, while some ineligible persons were included without proper verification.
Compensation was often released without scientific valuation of houses, land, trees and livelihood assets, causing "grave hardship" to displaced families. A total of more than 650 families were relocated, with natives of five villages fully relocated between 2017 and 2025, while the process continues in two other villages.
Commission's Recommendations and Directives
Terming these lapses violations of human rights and statutory safeguards, the commission recommended constituting a high-level committee comprising senior officials from the forest, ST & SC development, revenue and law departments, along with an independent expert in wildlife law and rehabilitation policy.
The panel will review village-wise violations, verify beneficiary lists, assess compensation gaps and suggest corrective measures, including disciplinary or criminal action against responsible officers. The committee must be formed within four weeks according to the commission's directive.
Immediate Restrictions on Further Relocation
Until the inquiry is completed, the OHRC has barred any further relocation from buffer, fringe or ringed-out villages of Satkosia unless specific conditions are met. These include full settlement of Forest Rights Act rights, valid Gram Sabha resolutions passed with proper quorum, and approval from the forest and environment department.
The commission has sought action against officials involved in the irregularities and recommended corrective measures, including differential compensation for affected families based on proper assessment of their losses and hardships.
