BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Human Rights Commission ordered a high‑level, multi‑department inquiry after pulling up the state govt for large‑scale irregularities in the relocation of villages from Satkosia Tiger Reserve. It flagged violations ranging from the absence of valid Gram Sabha consent and non‑settlement of forest rights to arbitrary exclusion of beneficiaries.The panel sought action against officials involved and recommended corrective measures, including differential compensation for affected families. The order, passed on February 9, came in response to petitions from residents of Bhurukundi, Asanbahal, Kataranga, Tuluka, Tikarapada, Gopalpur and other habitations, who alleged coercion, forgery, unfair exclusion and severe hardship during the relocation drive in recent years. The complaints said the administration bypassed NTCA norms, ignored mandatory processes under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), and undertook relocation without free and informed Gram Sabha consent. A total of more than 650 families were relocated. While natives of 5 villages were fully relocated between 2017 and 2025, the process is still under way in 2 others. After examining records, notifications and testimonies of affected villagers and officials, the commission concluded that the relocation process suffered from “serious procedural infirmities”. It found that, in several cases, FRA rights were not recognised or settled before relocation, making any consent legally invalid. Many Gram Sabhas were either not held, convened without proper notice, or conducted without the required quorum—circumstances that, the commission noted, “do not inspire confidence” about voluntariness. The OHRC also flagged non‑transparent beneficiary enumeration, citing altered lists that were not publicly disclosed, leading to wrongful exclusion of married daughters, persons with disabilities and long‑term residents, while some ineligible persons were included without proper verification. It further noted that compensation was often released without scientific valuation of houses, land, trees and livelihood assets, causing “grave hardship” to the displaced families. Terming these lapses violations of human rights and statutory safeguards, the commission recommended constituting a high‑level committee comprising senior officials from the forest, ST & SC development, revenue and law departments, along with an independent expert in wildlife law and rehabilitation policy. The panel will review village‑wise violations, verify beneficiary lists, assess compensation gaps and suggest corrective measures, including disciplinary or criminal action against responsible officers. The committee is to be formed within 4 weeks. Until the inquiry is completed, the OHRC barred any further relocation from buffer, fringe or ringed‑out villages of Satkosia unless FRA rights are fully settled, valid Gram Sabha resolutions are passed with proper quorum, and the forest and environment department approves the process.
