OHRC Seeks Full Records on Satkosia Tiger Reserve Village Relocation Irregularities

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has directed the Forest and Revenue departments, along with the Angul Collector, to furnish complete records regarding the relocation of villages from the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The directive follows allegations of large-scale irregularities and violation of relocation norms under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the State’s Relief and Rehabilitation (R&R) Policy.

Allegations of Violation of NTCA and R&R Guidelines

A petition before the OHRC alleged that forest officials carried out the dislocation of villages without following mandatory procedures. It claimed that the relocation ignored key guidelines such as holding gram sabhas and settling forest rights of dwellers prior to displacement. The petition further accused officials of mismanagement in compensation distribution and forging signatures of villagers who were unwilling to relocate.

Officials Deny Allegations of Misconduct

Top forest officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha, Chief Conservator of Forests Bikash Ranjan Dash, and Angul RCCF Sanjay Swain, appeared before the Commission. The then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Satkosia, Saroj Kumar Panda, and Angul Tehsildar Alok Kumar Dehury also attended. The PCCF maintained that the entire relocation process was “purely voluntary” and that all allegations were “false and baseless.” The Angul RCCF echoed this, asserting that no illegality or irregularity had occurred.

Commission’s Queries on Compensation and Procedures

The OHRC has sought specific clarifications on whether gram sabhas were convened before the relocations, and if forest rights were settled under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. It also asked whether a state policy exists for adequate compensation aligned with the Land Acquisition Act. Additionally, the panel demanded details on any inquiry into forged signatures, the notification of the cut-off date for compensation eligibility, and a full list of relocated families and the payments made to them.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Satkosia Tiger Reserve spans parts of Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh, and Boudh districts in Odisha.
• The Forest Rights Act, 2006, safeguards rights of forest dwellers before relocation.
• NTCA guidelines mandate prior gram sabha consent for village relocation in tiger reserves.
• OHRC can summon records and witnesses in cases of alleged rights violations.

Strict Warning from OHRC and Next Hearing

The OHRC has cautioned that failure to produce the required documents will be viewed seriously. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on October 30, with the Commission expected to assess compliance with relocation norms and the protection of displaced villagers’ rights.