What led to the Odisha Human Rights Commission's inquiry into Satkosia Tiger Reserve relocations?

The commission recommended a high-level inquiry due to large-scale irregularities, including lack of valid Gram Sabha consent and non-settlement of forest rights during village relocations.

What procedural infirmities were found in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve relocation process?

The process suffered from unregistered Forest Rights Act rights, invalid consent due to improperly held Gram Sabhas, non-transparent beneficiary lists, and inadequate compensation without scientific valuation.

What actions has the Odisha Human Rights Commission recommended regarding the Satkosia relocations?

The commission recommended forming a high-level committee to review violations, verify lists, assess compensation, and suggest action against officials, while barring further relocations until inquiry completion.

Home / Environment / Odisha Govt Faces Rights Panel Rebuke Over Tiger Reserve Relocations

Odisha Govt Faces Rights Panel Rebuke Over Tiger Reserve Relocations

10 Feb

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Summary

Rights panel demands high-level inquiry into Satkosia Tiger Reserve relocations.
Irregularities include lack of consent and forest rights settlement.
Panel seeks action against officials for human rights and statutory violations.

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.