Odisha Rights Panel Demands High-Level Probe into Tiger Reserve Village Relocation
The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has identified serious procedural infirmities in the relocation of villages surrounding the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Angul district. In a significant order dated February 9, 2026, the commission has directed the state government to establish a high-level inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the process.
Commission's Directives and Inquiry Mandate
The OHRC has mandated the formation of a committee comprising senior state government officers and an independent expert well-versed in wildlife law, the Forest Rights Act of 2006, and rehabilitation policies. This committee must be constituted within four weeks and is tasked with examining the entire relocation procedure. The commission has explicitly ordered a pause on all relocation activities until the committee submits its final report, which is due within six months of the committee's establishment.
The inquiry panel is required to identify officers responsible for any procedural violations and recommend appropriate departmental and criminal actions where necessary. This move underscores the commission's commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in governance processes affecting vulnerable communities.
Alleged Procedural Violations in Gram Sabha Meetings
According to the commission's findings, Gram Sabha meetings related to the relocations were either not conducted at all or were held without proper notice, adequate quorum, and in a hurried manner. The OHRC observed that many eligible adult residents were absent during these meetings, and the circumstances under which resolutions were obtained raise doubts about their free and informed nature. Such defective Gram Sabha processes cannot be considered valid consent under the law, the commission emphasized.
Additionally, the enumeration of beneficiaries was carried out in a non-transparent fashion, leading to the exclusion of eligible individuals such as married daughters, persons with disabilities, and long-term residents. Conversely, in some instances, ineligible persons were included without proper verification, further complicating the fairness of the relocation exercise.
Issues with Compensation and Adherence to Protocols
The commission also highlighted irregularities in compensation and ex gratia payments. In several cases, disbursements were made without conducting fair and scientific valuations of houses, land, trees, livestock, and livelihood assets. This lack of proper assessment has potentially deprived affected families of just compensation for their losses.
Furthermore, the OHRC noted that the procedure and protocol prescribed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were not followed during the relocation process. This necessitates a thorough examination of the accountability of officers involved in planning and executing the relocation, with disciplinary proceedings recommended for any violations.
Distinction Between Revenue and Forest Villages
The relocation involves villages in the buffer, fringe, and ringed-out areas of STR, including Bhurukundi, Asanbahal, Kataranga, Tuluka, Tikarapada, Gopalpur, and adjoining habitations. Some of these are revenue villages, while others are forest villages. The commission directed that displacement from revenue villages cannot be treated on par with forest villages, as rights under revenue laws, land records, and tenancy rights must be meticulously verified in such cases.
For revenue villages, the OHRC stressed the need for heightened safeguards, including land-based rehabilitation where feasible and ensuring continuity of civic amenities and livelihood support. This distinction is crucial for protecting the legal and economic rights of residents in these areas.
Background and Implications for Tiger Conservation
The relocation initiative is part of the state government's plan to reintroduce tigers into Satkosia Tiger Reserve, which, according to the 2022 Tiger Census, currently has no big cats. The government aims to enhance wildlife conservation efforts by creating a more conducive habitat through village relocations. However, the OHRC's intervention highlights the importance of balancing conservation goals with the rights and welfare of local communities.
The commission's order serves as a reminder that environmental and wildlife projects must adhere to legal frameworks and procedural norms to avoid infringing on human rights. The upcoming inquiry is expected to provide clarity on the violations and pave the way for a more equitable and transparent relocation process in the future.
