Odisha forms inquiry committee to examine relocation of villages from tiger habitat
The Odisha government has formed a high-level committee to investigate allegations of forced evictions of villagers from the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The inquiry will review compliance with statutory laws, compensation processes, and identify officials responsible for any procedural irregularities.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing tension between wildlife conservation efforts and the land rights of indigenous communities in India.
Odisha government has constituted a high-level inquiry committee to examine the relocation of villages from the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR), following allegations by residents that they were forcibly evicted from their ancestral villages despite having coexisted harmoniously with wildlife for decades.
The committee headed by Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary would examine the entire village-wise relocation process relating to STR, except Raiguda, which was first village to be relocated with following up of proper procedures. The notification regarding formation of committee was issued on August 17, 2026.
The committee has been mandated to examine and verify compliance with the applicable statutory provisions, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and the applicable guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
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