The Odisha government on Thursday, 20 August constituted a five-member high-level inquiry committee to examine allegations of procedural violations in the village relocation process at the Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Angul district. The panel was formed in compliance with a February 9 directive from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which had found that mandated protocols were not followed in letter and spirit.

Committee Composition

The panel is chaired by Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department. Its members include Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department; Pabitra Mohan Samal, Principal Secretary of the Law Department; and B. Parameswaran, Commissioner-cum-Secretary for the ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department.

In line with the OHRC order, the state also appointed retired Indian Forest Service officer Anup Nayak, former Member Secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), as an independent expert with specialised knowledge of wildlife law, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and rehabilitation policy. The committee's constitution was formalised through a notification issued by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department on 17 August.

Scope of the Inquiry

The committee has been tasked with examining the entire village-wise relocation process at Satkosia Tiger Reserve, with the exception of Raiguda village. Its terms of reference are wide-ranging and include verifying compliance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and applicable NTCA guidelines.

The panel will also identify cases of wrongful inclusion or exclusion of beneficiaries, assess the adequacy of compensation and rehabilitation provided to displaced families, and recommend corrective measures — including payment of differential compensation, restoration of rights, and livelihood support where warranted. Notably, the committee has also been empowered to identify officers responsible for procedural irregularities and recommend both departmental and criminal action wherever necessary.

What the OHRC Found

In its February 9 order, the OHRC noted that the relocation from a core or critical tiger habitat is governed by Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and NTCA guidelines. The commission underscored that any such relocation must be genuinely voluntary, based on a mutually agreed rehabilitation package, and preceded by a proper habitat assessment, settlement of rights under the Forest Rights Act, and informed consent of the Gram Sabha.

During its inquiry, the OHRC found that the procedures and protocols prescribed by the NTCA — required to be followed in addition to the benefits offered by the state government — were not adhered to adequately. This finding forms the basis of the committee's mandate.

Timeline and Next Steps

The committee has been directed to complete its inquiry and submit a detailed report to the state government within six weeks from the date of its constitution. Depending on the findings, affected families could be entitled to differential compensation and restored livelihood rights, while erring officials may face departmental or criminal proceedings.