Odisha Govt Faces Rights Panel Rebuke Over Tiger Reserve Relocations

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has called for a comprehensive, multi-departmental inquiry into the relocation of villages from the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The commission cited large-scale irregularities, including the absence of valid Gram Sabha consent and failure to settle forest rights, as reported on February 9, 2026. These findings stem from petitions by residents alleging coercion and unfair exclusion during recent relocation efforts affecting over 650 families.

The OHRC concluded that the relocation process suffered from "serious procedural infirmities." It identified instances where Forest Rights Act (FRA) rights were not recognized before relocation, rendering consent invalid. Many Gram Sabhas lacked proper notice, quorum, or were not held at all, raising doubts about voluntariness. Non-transparent beneficiary enumeration also led to wrongful exclusions and inclusions.

Furthermore, the commission noted "grave hardship" to displaced families due to compensation often being released without scientific valuation of assets. Terming these lapses as human rights violations, the OHRC recommended a high-level committee comprising officials from forest, ST & SC development, revenue, and law departments. This committee, to be formed within four weeks, will review violations, verify lists, assess compensation gaps, and suggest actions against responsible officers. Until the inquiry is complete, further relocations are barred unless FRA rights are settled and valid Gram Sabha resolutions are obtained.