What Odisha decided for Satkosia Tiger Reserve village relocation
Odisha constituted a high-level inquiry committee to examine allegations by residents about village relocation from Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR), including claims of forcible eviction from ancestral villages despite long co-existence with wildlife.
The inquiry committee is headed by the Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary. The committee is asked to examine the village-wise relocation process for STR, excluding Raiguda, which the notification describes as the first village relocated after procedure-following steps.
The August 17 notification directs the committee to verify compliance with legal and guideline frameworks, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and NTCA guidelines.
The inquiry committee’s scope includes scrutiny of beneficiary identification (whether villagers were wrongfully excluded or included) and an assessment of compensation and rehabilitation provided to affected families.
The committee is directed to recommend corrective measures such as differential compensation, restoration of rights, and livelihood support. The committee is also expected to identify officers responsible for procedural irregularities or violations for possible departmental and criminal action.
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