Leopard, Elephant Deaths In Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary Affect Biodiversity

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Angul forest division has been witnessing tragedies involving deaths of wildlife species over the years and more recently, the list has been expanded with the death of a leopard and an elephant.

The leopard was trapped in a poacher’s snare and died while being treated. But, the death of the animal  is shrouded in mystery as it was widely believed that it died due to wrong tranquilizing method. Although forest officials of Angul wildlife division have denied that the leopard did not die due to tranquilization, the death of the animal was talk of the town that something fishy happened while it was rescued from the booby trap.

As the hue and cry over the death of leopard was slowly dying down, the carcass of an adult male elephant was found in the wildlife sanctuary further aggravating the situation. Obviously, the twin incidents raised serious questions on the efficiency of Angul wildlife officials who drew flak from different quarters of the society including nature lovers and environmentalists.

Booby traps, electrocution from illegal live wires and shooting and poisoning of wild animals in Satkosia Wildlife  sanctuary has always been the cause of concern for forest officials as well as nature lovers of this region as such incidents are growing day by day. The wildlife division officials in Angul said they have been doing their best to prevent such occurrences by intensifying day and night patrolling and conducting raids in the hideouts of poachers, but it is still becoming tougher to put a check on the illegal act. Nature lovers and local community workers said the forest officials of Angul wildlife division take little initiatives to engage the villagers living in Satkosia region by encouraging them to participate in community engagements.

Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary is Odisha's unique biodiversity region which is a home to rare wildlife species, but of late this has become a graveyard for elephants and leopards. Wildlife experts suggest that that Angul wildlife division must take measures to discourage poaching by deploying mobile units at night when snares are mostly set by poachers. The officials have to involve local volunteers by paying them incentives for their services, the experts said and added that the forest staff must be equipped with GPS, cameras etc for such activities.

The experts expressed their apprehension that if the deaths of elephants and leopards continue to occur, then Odisha’s reputation will severely suffer at international level and this trend will impact upon eco-tourism, let alone long-term damage to the ecosystem. The experts further said deaths of animals in Satkosia have exposed the mismanagement of human–wildlife coexistence in the region.

Steps must be taken for protection of rare wildlife species in Satkosia through strategic, well-resourced approach, the experts said and added that patch work will not sustain for a long time.

Bihar Election Result: Beginning Of The End Of Democracy???

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Bihar Assembly election results have surprised one and all, but barring the stakeholders in the BJP-led combine at the Centre. This election was held amid allegations by the Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi that the BJP dispensation at the Centre has indulged in Vote Chori(Vote theft) by tampering electoral rolls and illegally inserting names of fake voters in the list.

It is known to all that the NDA government doled out Rs 10,000  to women under the scheme Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana shortly before and during the election in Bihar. The schme was introduced in the state for empowerment of women by providing them self employemnt. They were immediately given Rs 10000 and the Nitish dispensation also promised them to financial assistance up to Rs 2 lakh in six month's time.

Reports said over 1.4 crore women got Rs 10000 immediately and the Nitish government ensured that they get the sum without fail even during the election process. The opposition parties did raise a hue and cry over the flagrant violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC), but it was alleged that the Election Commission did not pay any heed to their contention. It did not take any action against the ruling alliance and kept mum throughout, the leaders alleged.

Opposition leaders like RJD'S Manoj Jha and Ashok Gehlot wrote to the Election Commission raising objection on the blatant violation of MCC by the NDA government with distribution of Rs 10000 to women during the poll, but to no avail.  Political analysts and critics pointed out that the cash transfers were aimed at buying votes and it was timely done to influence female voters of Bihar. They argued that the high voter turnout of women has proved it that Rs 10000 has played a decisive role in the election outcome.

Prashant Kishor, noted psephologist and also known as an election strategist, who formed a political party 'Jan Suraaj' and fought Bihar election with vigour and vitality but drew a blank. Kishor's party did not get a single seat in Bihar election. But, he has not backtracked from his earlier statement. Kishor has vowed to change Bihar, the mindset of Biharis at any cost even if it takes another five years. The noted political strategist has alleged that Rs 10000 played a vital role to increase the vote share in Bihar poll. He further said although it is not the only factor but other factors including the promise of Rs 2 lakh to women after the election has become a decisive one for the ruling alliance in Bihar.

No Level Playing Field:

Distribution of money just before and continuing throughout the poll process has definitely neutralized the level playing field as the welfare scheme has been converted into electoral leverage for ruling alliance in Bihar. The Election Commission which always boasts that it strictly maintains the level playing field in the polls, has become meaningless after huge money was pumped into the electoral process in the guise of welfare scheme for the women. The timing clearly suggested the ulterior motive by the ruling alliance to influence women voters who constitute fifty percent of total voters of the state.

Opposition leaders have alleged that it is an institutional failure of the part of Election Commission who did nothing to contain such a flagrant violation of MCC. The Election Commission has failed to upheld democratic norms, the leaders said and added that it has completely failed to live up to the situation as a guardian of democracy.

What is most disturbing is that if the practice of distribution of money before and during elections will not be checked, then the democratic values will be eroded to the core and the ruling alliance will go on a buying spree of voters to cling to power for ever. The Opposition leaders of the country must come under one umbrella to save democracy in India or else they must remain prepared to be decimated by the ruling alliance for ever through money power. This is a wake call for them, and they must act in unison to tackle the menace.

BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik Loses Sheen As Vote-Puller?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik has lost his sheen as a vote-puller. Political pundits say that Nuapada by election result has clearly shown this. They said the leader who once ruled Odisha for twenty four years with unblemished record is slowly fading into oblivion.

Political analysts said BJD struggled to put in place all the strategy it had despite the wrangling in the party. The campaign by its senior leaders including its supremo did not get the desired mileage it had expected, political observers said and added that factionalism had already taken a huge toll of BJD's credibility among the voters.

Congress has shown that it has improved slightly finishing ahead of the BJD in the poll. It was BJP vs Congress and not BJD as it were over the years. The BJD is no longer a dominating political force in Odisha and Congress has shown its mettle that it will challenge BJP in the forthcoming elections in the state if not in national context. The fact that Congress has finished in the second position clearly showed that it effectively managed to garner anti-BJD votes in its favour.

The Nuapada result has become a morale booster for Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as he has shown political acumen in Western Odisha. The victory for BJP can be seen as an endorsement of policies by the public, political observers said. BJD's poor performance and finishing third in the poll result has raised serious questions among the public about its future as a party to be reckoned with, the observers opined. They further observed that given the present trend, the future political battles in the state could well be confined within BJP and Congress and no longer BJD which was once a ruling party for 24 years.   

Bonded Labourers Issue Remains Invisible In Odisha's Nuapada By-Poll

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The issue of bonded labourers in Nuapada seems to have gone out of reckoning. As the D-day approaches for Nuapada by-poll in Odisha, parties are more inclined to woo voters by allegedly rewarding or paying them to cast votes in favour of their candidates than concerned about the issue of migrant labourers and their fate. The heavyweights of ruling BJP, BJD and Congress have already descended on the campaign trail but the issue of bonded labourers or migrant workers is out of view.

The by-election is believed to be a three-cornered contest between BJP, BJD and Congress. Political analysts are of the opinion that the parties in the fray might experience a roller coaster ride. The situation is evenly balanced, they opined. But, the candidates contesting from Nuapada constituency seem to be little bothered about why over 30000 families from the district have gone out of the state to work in brick kilns and construction sites in Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat to earn their livelihood. They try their best to dodge any question relating to unemployment crisis in the district.

Nuapada district in Odisha has a population of over 6 lakh according to 2011 census. The literacy rate in the district is nearly 49 percent. Statistics say that nearly 40 percent of agriculture land is irrigated although over 80 percent of the population depend on agriculture. The Upper Jonk irrigation project is in limbo as this has made little progress over the years. The political representatives have allegedly not cared for early completion of the irrigation project. They severely lack political will and more concerned about how to nurture their vote bank to be in the saddle, social activists working at the grassroots in Nuapada alleged.   

Shyamsundarpur Case: Angul Police Still Clueless On Minor Girl's Rape, Murder

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Police are yet to find out the clue for the alleged rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl who belonged to Shyamsundarpur village under Sadar police station limits in Angul district. The gruesome incident occurred on September 8, 2025. The girl's body was recovered by the police from a rivulet near the village.

There was no information on the postmortem report and viscera and the police are tightlipped on the matter. The residents of Shyamsundarpur and nearby villages had staged road blockades and have met Angul SP Rahul Jain demanding early action, but to no avail. In the meanwhile, media reports have claimed that the crime rate in Angul district has maintained an upward trend in the past few months.

Angul SP Rahul Jain has taken the onus of investigation on his own to nab the criminals who are involved in the the gruesome murder of the the 11-year old girl belonging to Shyamsundarpur. Jain said the culprit will be brought to book soon, but over one month has elapsed and the police are yet to find out the person who was responsible for the cold blooded murder of the innocent girl. According to the statistics, Home Department of Odisha has revealed that 2,826 rapes and 1,362 murders had occurred in 2023. In 2024, the raped cases rose to 3,054 and there were 1,258 murders.

The Pari case in Nayagarh had drawn the attention of the country in 2020. Although the case had baffled the police, after a thorough investigation a special court convicted and sentenced the perpetrator in 2024.

Angul is the highly industrialized and crime ridden district in the state. The industrial town has recently seen a spate of outsiders hailing from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh who are selling tea and doing petty business. They have chosen Angul as their place of work for the reason that this district has a number of industries and offers opportunities for whatever business they take up. But, there are instances in which some outsiders from these above mentioned states have been rounded up by the police for involvement in crimes in the district. Recently, there has been a spurt of bike theft in most parts of Angul district and in most cases the culprits are yet to be nabbed.     

Opposition's Vote Chori Allegation Rocks Indian Polity

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Leader of the Opposition (LOP) Rahul Gandhi at a press conference in August this year has levelled serious charges against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that it is involved in 'Vote Chori'(vote theft) in a number of constituencies in the country. Gandhi alleged that it was most glaring in Karnataka's Mahadevpura.

This explosive allegation of the LOP of India has shocked everybody as Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is hand in glove with the BJP to indulge in large scale manipulation or tampering voter rolls.

The Allegation: Gandhi has alleged that the voter rolls were manipulated with insertion of duplicate names, addresses not found or fake. He alleged that the act was approved by the ECI. Gandhi alleged that glaring discrepancies were found in Aland in Karnataka and Rajura in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district and claimed that there was mass deletion and manipulation of voter names.

However, the ECI has brushed aside the allegations as misleading and baseless. It said it was never possible to delete names online as the whole process involved verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) after serving notice to the voters. The ECI has even dared Gandhi to file an affidavit or apologize to the nation  and made it clear that there was no third option for him. But, the ECI's direction to Gandhi to file an affidavit or apologize has not gone down well with other political parties and even intellectuals who had decried its very motive. 

Political Upsurge:

The BJP leaders have alleged that the leader of the Opposition is acting in an irresponsible manner. They alleged that Rahul Gandhi is subverting Indian democratic system and deriding the election officials who have toiled hard to ensure free and fair elections in the country. Contrary to this, Gandhi's claims are backed by exact figures of irregularity in a number of states like Karnataka and Maharashtra. The BJP overlooks this.

Indian Democracy In Peril?

Experts are of the opinion that whether proven or not, Gandhi's allegations have far reaching consequences  in the Indian polity. This is likely to erode the public faith in the electoral system if left unresolved. One will observe that the vote chori has become an issue with the Opposition parties in India as the leaders have become united demanding action against the ECI. Observers have maintained that a third party audit must be done to study in detail the claim of Congress on the matter as it is of very severe nature.

Whatever be the situation, Gandhi's allegations on the fairness of the electoral system has put question marks on the credibility of ECI. It is the foremost duty of the ECI to come forward on its own to put to rest the aspersions cast on it. It is advisable for ECI to try its best to convince the Indian citizens that their right to vote has not been compromised in any way. 

How Beneficial Next Gen GST Will Be For Common Man?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The Next Gen GST or GST 2.0 has become effective with the sole intention of providing relief to the common man of the country. The reforms in tax slabs have been carried out after long eight years. During these eight years, Indian citizens, particularly the common man, virtually paid through their noses for goods and services. The Opposition leaders of the country have been demanding the scrapping of GST terming it as Gabbar Singh Tax as prices of essential commodities skyrocketed due to implementation of different slabs such as 5, 12,18 and 28 percent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally bowed down to the pressure of the Opposition leaders particualary that of Rahul Gandhi of Congress party to carry out reforms for the benefit of poor people of India. PM Modi in his address to the nation has described the reforms as 'Bachat Ka Ustsab' or a celebration for savings. But, only time will tell how the savings of the poor people are protected with the implementation of the Next Gen GST.

What Is GST?

It stands for Goods and Services Tax and was introduced in the country by the Modi Governemnt in 2017. At that time it was widely broadcast, telecast and written that the government had introduced the measure as part of one nation one tax system. But, over the years, the GST turned out to be very complicated for small time businessmen and traders in the country due to multipliticity in slabs. The government imposed taxes on essential food items rising their prices enormously. It was widely believed that the Modi Government was in favour of corporate friends and the GST was implemented in the country with the sole purpose of protecting their interest.   

What Is Next Gen Reforms?

The Central government has declared that the reformes will provide relief to consumers, particulary those who are coming under lower income and middle class. It said a number of items such as food, milk and paneer, household essentials, health-care goods, and education-related items will now become cheaper.  The reduction in tax system will also benefit agriculture and rural sectors in the country, the government said.

According to the government, GST reduction on different goods will encourage more people to purchase more and this will increase demand leading to growth of the economy. The Finance Minister has said the rate cuts will inject about Rs 2 lakh crore into the economy.

Revenue Loss To Govt:

Both the Centre and state governments will incur losses due to rate cuts which is roughly estimated to be nearly Rs 50,000 crore annually. Economists said that there is likelihood is that the rate cuts will affect the structures upstream. They said transition from one slab to another involves issues that will affect the  traders, retailers as well as manufacturers for updating systems acquired under older rates. Swift actions are needed to resolve the disputes leading to rate cuts of goods and services.

Everybody knows that the Modi Government has announced the rate cuts of essential goods and services keeping an eye on Bihar election in two months and subsequent polls later in other states. This move might be populist, but everything depends on how the measures are implemented to benefit the poor.

Conclusion

Finally the corrections to the GST has been made and this is an welcome move by the Modi Government at the Centre. The tax system has been simplified to provide relief to the citizens, mostly the common man.

Despite the reforms, the government has to ensure the implementation of the Next Gen system has to benefit across society, particularly the marginalized sections of the society. The reformative measures have to be carried out well, with good intent and put into good practice.

Why Satkosia Remains A Tigerless Tiger Reserve?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

There are no tigers in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Angul district, yet it is known as Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR). Spread over 1000 sqkm spanning Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh districts, the wildlife sanctuary is a home to rare species of flora and fauna with a rich biodiversity. The seven mile long  Satkosia Gorge is unique as the largest river of Odisha, Mahanadi, flows through it. In 2007 the wildlife sanctuary was declared as a tiger reserve with 12 tigers, but the census conducted in 2022 clearly mentioned that there was no tiger left in the habitat.

Odisha forest department initiated country's first ever interstate tiger relocation in 2018 to grow the population of the big cats in Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Accordingly, a male tiger from Kanha and a tigress from Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh, were brought to the sanctuary as an experimental step to boost tiger population. However, the programme was derailed due to stiff opposition from villagers living inside the sanctuary as the tigress, which was named as Sundari, turned violent attacking and killing livestock. The male tiger Mahaveer died under mysterious circumstances. The wildlife wing of Angul did not cite any reason how the relocated royal Bengal tiger (RBT) died.

Why Satkoisa Is Tigerless?

Although it is difficult to pinpoint reason, a number of factors including  social, ecological and administrative, are believed to have contributed to wiping out of RBTs from Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary. According to environmentalists, the constant loss of biodiversity in Satkosia, leading to decline in the prey base, has more to do with the issue than anything else. They are of the opinion that tigers, mostly RBTs, need vast forest tracts with teeming prey base of deer and wildboars, for their survival. The habitat quality has been constantly declining due to poaching and encroachment of forest territory by the villagers living inside the sanctuary. This has resulted in human-animal conflict. There are reports that booby traps have been used to kill wildboars and deer casting a negative impact on the decline of prey base for tigers.

Administrative Lacunae:

Informed sources said as conservation of RBTs involves a lot of planning and investment, relocation of tigers could not be successful in Satkosia. Planning demands regular patrolling and involvement of local communities for conservation of tigers. Unfortunately, this didn't happen in Satkosia. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has clearly mentioned in its guidelines that the forest dwellers must be taken into confidence before relocation of RBTs actually takes place. But, in the case of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, there was no transperancy of activities taken for relocation of tigers. This enraged the denizens living  inside the sanctuary, and at the end, the programmes was unsuccessful. Of course, the wildlife division of Angul has taken initiatiatives to shift villagers from Raiguda,Katrang, Asanbahal and Bhurkundi to make way for relocation of RBTs in the sanctuary. Villagers from Purunakote, Gopalpur, Chhotkei, Majhipada and Tikarpada will be shortly shifted from the sanctuary, but there are allegations that villagers are being forced to leave their home and hearth for RBTs. They have alleged that the compensation is not adequate to purchase land elsewhere and make a decent living. Wildlife organizations in Angul district said community participation should be core for successful implementation of a tiger habitat. The thrust must on the livelihood alternatives of the displaced persons to accommodate tigers in their area.

The wildlife wing of Angul must work on the issue of human-wildlife conflict by involving experts to find out the reason and solution before the actual process of relocation of RBTs takes place. The wildlife staff have to be educated and trained to successfully implement relocation project. Conservation goals are best achieved by the participation of local communities. The wildlife staff must understand this.

Why Are Endangered Gharial Hatchlings Vanishing In Satkosia Gorge?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

A number of Gharial hatchlings have been swept away by floodwaters in Mahanadi in Odisha's Satkosia Gorge, media reports said. The reports said that out of 160 Gharial hatchlings bred in captivity in Gharial Conservation and Research Centre at Tikarpadain in Angul district in the past five years, a very few have have been left. Environmentalists have expressed their concern over the lack of preparedness by the wildlife officials in Angul division to save the hatchlings from gushing waters of Mahanadi during monsoon. Gharial hatchlings being swept away during floods in Mahanadi, the largest river in Odisha, does not occur occasionally, rather this is a regular phenomenon during rainy season.

Flood Factor Overlooked:

Gharial hatchlings are very small and measure nearly 40 centimeters after coming out of their eggs. They are always vulnerable to gushing waters of Mahanadi that overwhelm the sandy beds of the river where hatchlings take shelter after coming out the eggs. The irony is that the wildlife staff of Angul division become active to search for the lost hatchlings after they were swept away by floods. Environmentalists alleged that the wildlife staff never tried to relocate the Gharial hatchlings from Mahanadi's sandy beds to more safer places before monsoon. Therefore, breeding of the endangered species is always replete with danger, they reasoned.

Mugger, Illegal Fishing Challenges:

It is a known fact that Muggers pose severe threat to the fish-eating Gharials in river Mahanadi. In addition to this, illegal sand mining and fishing also have serious threat to the survival of the hatchlings. Although the Satkosia Gorge has been declared as a no-fishing zone, illegal fishing and sand mining activities in upstream locations of river Mahanadi have jeopardized the habitat.

Measures To Safeguard Gharials:

• The wildlife division of Angul must take proactive measures to protect the hatchlings before they are swept away by surging waters of Mahanadi.
• The department must ensure that there are enough makeshift enclosures at Tikarpada to house the hatchlings during floods. This measure must be taken much before the onset of monsoon. The hatching site at Baladamara is prone to be washed away during monsoon, therefore the wildlife staff must be prepared to arrange alternative sites as safe habitats for the Gharials .
• Community participation is always encouraging for conservation of endangered species. The wildlife staff, as a good measure, should engage the local fishing community in rescue operations during floods in Mahanadi.
• Enforcement of stricter rules for protection of habitat should be the utmost task of the wildlife division to discourage illegal sand mining upstream.

Media Advocacy:

Media advocacy is one of the most important tenets of conservation policies in most parts of the world as the target audience could be educated on a particular issue. This works incredibly well on wildlife topics. As media plays an important role on awareness on the merits of conservation of biodiversity, it is advisable for the wildlife division in Angul to grab the opportunity to save environmental disaster in the industrial district of Odisha. This is high time that the wildlife wing of Angul must take fruitful measures for survival of Gharials in Satkosia Gorge. The challenge for wildlife staff is, no doubt great, but they have to rise to the occasion and face it.   

Felling Of Trees In Chhendipada Will Bring Environmental Disaster To Angul District

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Large scale felling of Sal trees from reserved forests in Chhendipada block in Angul district has sparked a debate among nature lovers as well as general public in Odisha whether environmental depredation should be allowed for the sake of opencast coalmines. The Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has started its expansion of coalmine activities in Chhendipada region as huge deposits of coal, otherwise known as Black Diamond, is found beneath its surface.

Environmental Cost:

Environmentalists, nature lovers as well as general public in Odisha are concerned over the colossal loss of forest, particularly the endangered species of Sal in Chhendipada region. Media reports said the forest cover in Chhendipada not only includes Sal species but a number of herbal plants are also available which contributes to biodiversity of the region. Mahua and Kendu trees are abundantly available in Chendipada forest ranges that ensures livelihoods benefits for tribal people since ages. People of Chhendipada block will, in all probability, face displacement scourge like their counterparts in Talcher in the days to come. The displacement will mostly hard hit the sections who are marginalized in the society. The coalmine projects have displaced a large number of families from different villages in Talcher. But, unfortunately, a good percentage of oustees are yet to get compensation as jobs or financial benefit, despite losing their homestead land other landed properties. The people of Chhendipada will also face such fate soon, local environmentalists fear.

Extensive mining operations particularly through opencast method is responsible for erosion of soil. This leads to air and water pollution in Chhendipada region as the people of Talcher have already experienced. Water bodies including Kukurpeta minor irrigation project in Chhendipada region will be contaminated due to extensive mining. Talcher region has already witnessed air and water contamination due to opencast mining projects. People in the area struggle to get a few buckets of potable water throughout the year and scarcity of water prevails during rainy season also.

Environmentalists have alleged that there are lacunae in Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) as the general public have not been taken into confidence. They are not properly consulted by the authorities  before allowing several mining projects in Chhendipada. It is often argued that afforestation would make up the loss of forests in Chhendipada region, but this could never match the the effectiveness of natural forest that existed with herbal species. Scientific studies have shown that trees act like natural air filters and protect the humanity from environmental pollution. But, this will be a thing of the past in Chhendipada region due to large scale felling of tress and in most cases complete wiping out of natural forest from the region.

Call To Action:

Ø  Public hearings in Chhendipada must be mandatory and the EIA has to be transparent. Local voices should not be crushed for industrial development.

Ø  Eco friendly species must be included in plantation programmes to counter the bad effects of environmental pollution. As the livelihood security of a large number of tribal communities in the region have been jeopardized following large scale felling of trees like Mohua and Kendu, it is obligatory on the part of MCL to take up afforestation projects in which such native species are included.

Ø  Angul district administration must ensure that District Mineral Fund (DMF) is allocated for fulfillment of needs of the affected families in Chhendipada region due to extensive felling of trees for mining operations. Initiation of skill development programmes must be included in rehabilitation packages for those who have lost their home and hearth for mining.

Coal Mining Projects in Talcher:

The MCL has a number of coalmining projects in Talcher and such activities have started in the area way back in 1929. Earlier, there were underground mines, but opencast mines have come to be a part of modern day trend. The mining company has opted in favour of opencast mining activity because this operation is less risky as compared to subterranean mining activities. Due to sheer depth, such mining activities were hazardous as loss of life could not be avoided in most situations. Waters of Brahmani, the second largest river in Odisha, along with Nandira and other rivulets in Talcher region are contaminated following excavation of coal and release of industrial effluents into the rivers. Villagers living all along the banks of Brahmani alleged that water of the river has become unfit to bath even, let alone use it for drinking. They further alleged that most people of their villages have contracted skin diseases by bathing in the river. Fishermen community is the worst hit as they don't get enough fish catch to sustain their livelihood. Presence of effluents in Brahmani water has adversely affected fish and other aquatic creatures. The fishing community has moved to other areas in search of employment due to dwindling fish reserve in Brahmani. 

Displacement Of Adivasis From Satkosia Serves Whose Interest, Ask Environmentalists

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

A large number of families belonging to Tulka, Bhurkundi, Gopalpur and Asanbahal villages in Satkosia wildlife sanctuary have been relocated by the forest department of Odisha to convert the sanctuary to a safe habitat for tigers. The process of relocation is going on amid protests by groups of villagers in Satkosia region who allege that the rehabilitation package is not adequate as compensation. The villagers alleged that providing Rs 20 lakh as relocation compensation per family is gross undervaluation of their homestead land and other landed properties.

The relocation process has divided the villagers in Satkosia into two groups-one, who have given their concurrence to leave home and hearth from the sanctuary and settle elsewhere and the second group, not willing to accept the compensation package arguing that the relocation is uncalled for when there is  no tiger in the so-called Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The second group also alleged that the relocation process lacked transparency. Worthwhile to mention here that in 1976 Satkosia was declared a wildlife sanctuary. It was upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2007. There are nearly one hundred villages in Satkosia inhabited by Scheduled Tribes and forest dwellers.

Villagers in Satkosia alleged that the wildlife officials have enlisted names of those families who have mostly migrated to metro cities like Hyderabad and Chennai in search of employment. Social activists who are working in Satkosia region alleged that the forest officials have wittingly enlisted the names of those people who stay in the cities for jobs and do not want to come to their villages. The forest officials have cunningly enlisted names of those persons who work outside because they know that there will be little opposition from them as they want to stay in the cities to get employment opportunities. Reports said  a meeting convened by Block Development Officer (BDO), Angul, to discuss about relocation at Purunakote Panchayat recently ended in a fiasco as neither Sarpanch nor Ward Members attended it. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and officials from Angul Block had to return from the meeting  empty-handed as groups of villagers, for and against the proposition,  indulged in wordy duel. However, local media reports said that majority of villagers in Purunakote agreed to leave their homes and settle elsewhere due to relocation with a compensation package.     

Socio-Economic Impact

The socio-economic consequences of displacement have always been painful for the people of Satkosia. The erstwhile Raiguda villagers who are now settled in New Raiguda following relocation have been confronting with lack of basic facilities even years after their settlement in the new colony. Villagers of New Raiguda alleged that most of them lack livelihood opportunities and said the local forest wing is little concerned over their plight. They said the forest officials had promised them better livelihood opportunities after relocation, but this didn’t turn out to be true.

Satkosia: Shifting Entrance To Baliput Will Hamper Angul's Interest

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The idea behind shifting of entrance of Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, from Pampasar in Angul district to Baliput in Cuttack district, will have disastrous consequences on the economy of Angul district. Social activists alleged that this action will adversely affect local businesses in and around Pampasar in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary. Income sources directly related to tourism In Angul district will also be affected due to diversion of tourist traffic to Cuttack district following the shifting of entrance of the sanctuary from Pampasar to Baliput, the social activists alleged. 

Undermining  Angul Interest:

The economic impact will be huge. Nature lovers and tourists will no loger come to Angul as Pampasar entrance of Satkosia Tiger Reserve will be shut down.This will reduce the importance of Angul district which has been the gateway to Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary since long. Small time traders in Karatapata, Pampasar, Jagannathpur and Tikarpada areas who rely mostly on tourists for their business will incur huge loss facing permanent closure of businesses due to absence of tourists to the area. Closure of Pampasar gate will adversely affect hospitality as well as transport sectors in Angul district that will be crippled throwing a great number of people out of business and livelihood.

The tiger reserve is endowed with endangered species of flora and fauna and widely acclaimed as one of the finest biodiversity regions in the country which is rich in nature's bounty. Closure of the age-old entry point of Satkosia at Pampasar will also impact on conservation of biodiversity in Angul wildlife division due to administrative incoherence between two districts. Local environmentalists maintained shifting of the main gate to Baliput in Cuttack district will be an act of underestimating the role of local communities in Satkosia region in Angul district who have tried their best to preserve the biodiversity of Satkosia Tiger Reserve since long. Villagers in Satkosia in Angul district have taken a number of initiatives through their communities to save the ecosystem in the sanctuary. Closure of the gateway at Pampasar will alienate local people as stakeholders from conservation activities. This will spell doom for community-driven endeavours to protect the biodiversity in Satkosia. 

Sources said that efforts are underway to construct a bridge over the gorge connecting Narsinghpur-Baliput road to Badmul for facilitating safari trekking in Satkosia. Although this proposed bridge project has evoked widespread protests from different quarters since it lacked concurrence from National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the top brasses of wildlife wing in Odisha have been trying their best get through the project at any cost.

Environmentalists like Biswajit Mohanty has alleged that the bridge will be harmful to Satkosia Gorge and disturb the natural habitat of Gharial and other aquatic species. Heavy dose of tourism is always harmful for conservation of nature any where in the world including Satkosia, environmentalists opined. The Tiger Reserve which came into being in 1976 spreads over 988 sqkm in Angul, Cuttack, Boudh and Nayagarh districts in Odisha. The sanctuary is a home to a number of elephants and other endangered species including Gharials.

Eco Tourism Fails In Satkosia Due To Bureaucratic Negligence

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Community based conservation efforts to protect biodiversity in Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Angul district is now a thing of the past. Wildlife officials are no longer needing the cooperation of villagers living in Tikarpada, Purunakote and Jagannathpur for conservation of flora and fauna in Satkosia wildlife sanctuary. Members of Satkosia Praja Suraksha Samiti have alleged that the wildlife officials are responsible for the death of Eco Development Committees (EDCs) which played key role for promotion of eco tourism in the Tiger Reserve. Commercialization of the natural habitats in Satkosia is the new catchword for the officials who undermine peoples' initiatives for conservation of ecology. They do not mind exploiting the natural habitat for money.

Social activists working in Satkosia region said community-driven endeavours to protect environment through EDCs have stopped. The Nature camps at Chhotkei and Tikarpada which were once thriving with the cooperation of villagers in Satkosia,are no loger attracting tourists due to poor management, the activists alleged. The EDCs in Tarava and Purunakote have now become defunct due to non-coperation by the wildlife staff who undermine the sincerity of villagers in conservation of biodiversity in Satkosia. The social activists alleged that eco-tourism has failed to take off as villagers in Satkosia are no longer treated as stakeholders by wildlife officials for maintaining biodiversity of the region.

The social activists further alleged that the villagers are never encouraged by Angul wildlife wing to be the part and parcel of conservation of nature and boost eco tourism in the sanctuary. Commercialization has creeped into the the minds of top brasses of wildlife department, the activists alleged. Money to the tune of crores are being spent to build road and other facilities all along river Mahanadi from Baliput in Cuttack district via Majhipada, Kadalikhol to Baghamunda under Angul wildlife division for safari trekking in the Tiger Reserve. Satkosia Praja Suraksha Samiti alleged Angul wildlife division is keen to oust villagers from Satkosia on the pretext of tiger conservation, when there is no tiger left in the so-called Tiger Reserve.

Inadequate Funding Mars Tribal Development Programme In Angul District

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The Special Development Council (SDC), which was established by government of Odisha in 2017 for initiating all round development of Adivasi communities in the state, has allegedly failed to take off. For instance, there has been no significant improvement of Konds and Gonds and other Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in the industry-rich Angul district. The regions like Athamallik, Pallahara and Kishorenagar have significant number of Adivasi and other tribal communities. According to the census of 2011, the scheduled Tribe (ST) constitutes nearly 22.85 percent of the total population of Odisha.

The SDC was set up in Odisha for all round development of tribal communities providing them good education and livelihood opportunities through skill development programmes and other initiatives based on their avocation. Reports said nearly Rs 3 crore was allotted to Angul district by SDC to initiate measures in the field of education and livelihood programmes for tribals in the financial year 2023-24, but till date nearly Rs 18 lakh has been spent.  

This speaks volumes about the actual intention and the sincerity of the bureaucrats responsible for carrying out measures for improvement of the condition of tribal population in Angul district. The schemes are implemented through self help groups and Mission Shakti. But, there are allegations that misallocation of fund has come in the way for proper implementation of the projects aimed at improvement of the status of tribals on different sectors.

SDC Objectives:

One of the major objectives of SDC in Angul district is to consistently work for betterment of socio-economic status of the Adivasis. The SDC has to ensure that they get basic facilities in education, healthcare and livelihood sectors so that they can be brought into the national mainstream. The other important work of the SDC is to preserve and protect tribal dialects, traditions  and their places of worship which they held in high esteem. The most important objective of SDC is to encourage the tribals in decision making process so that their voices can be heard in the power corridors of the state. The tribals lack basic facilities like road connectivity and potable water in most villages they reside located in the remotest corners of the state. Although efforts are on to empower women tribal groups by including them in self help groups and other income generating activities under Mission Shakti, a lot more has to be done through awareness programmes as the tribal communities have little knowledge about various welfare schemes implemented for their benefit.

Social activists working for bringing the tribal women into mainstream alleged that the skill development programmes through which vocational activities are conducted are not up to the mark. They alleged that trainers with adequate knowledge of vocational activities must be roped in by the administration to deliver the goods. The trainers must focus on small scale industries, livestock, agriculture and terracotta which are not alien to tribals or Adivasis of the region. The dropout rates among Adivasi children are very high in regions like Athamallik, Pallahara and Kishorenagar block in Angul district. Therefore, it is the responsibility of SDC to ensure that the tribal children are properly educated to acquire self confidence and achieve their goals in life. Preservation of tribal culture should be the prime goal of the SDC as festivals play a great role in societal bonding. However, financial support to cultural organizations in the tribal dominated regions in the district are allegedly not sufficient. A lot more has to be done for preservation of tribal culture, the activists added.

Gharial Hatchlings Decreasing At Tikarpada Conservation Unit In Angul Wildlife Division

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Low survival rate of Gharial hatchlings in Gharial Research and Conservation Unit at Tikarpada under Satkosia Wildlife Division in Angul district has worried nature lovers as well as environmentalists in Odisha. Sources said that the survival rate has declined to as low as ten percent. The major threat is floods in river Mahanadi, the largest in Odisha, in the monsoon. The hatchlings are mostly swept away by floods during rainy season. Gharial hatchlings are often get stuck in fishing nets used by fishermen communities living on the banks of river Mahanadi. In addition to this threat, growing number of Muggers in Mahanadi all along the seven-mile stretch of Satkosia gorge, has also jeopardized the survival chances of Gharial hatchlings. Muggers are known to be predators of Gharial hatchlings.

The Gharial Research and Conservation Unit has been facing management difficulties ever since it was established at Tikarpada in 1975. It has always been a difficult task for the wildlife staff to take adequate measures for the conservation of Gharial hatchlings. The unit was almost in limbo for years due to inadequate allotment of funds. However, conservation efforts are on a full swing since 2020 and results are showing, but a lot more has to be done to increase the survival rate of the hatchlings. The Angul wildlife division has been trying its best to improve breeding of the rare species of crocodile family by bringing male and female Gharials to the conservation unit at Tikarpada from Nandankanal Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. Although over 150 hatchlings have been released to Mahanadi in the past five years, there is no definite data how much of them actually survived in the process. Reports said in May 2025, nearly 29 Gharials babies came out of their eggs at a nesting site called Baladamara, near Satkosia gorge. But, the distressing news is that nearly half of the haltchlings were carried away by gushing water as Mahanadi was in spate following pre-monsoon showers in the state in that month.

Habitat In Danger:

Contamination of Mahanadi river water and fishing activities are directly responsible for the decline in number of Gharials, social activists working in Satkosia region said and added that this has impacted on the ecosystem of the gorge. Although the wildlife division has put a ban on fishing in the gorge, this has not been strictly effective due to a number of reasons. The wildlife staff are not adequately equipped to handle illegal fishing activities in Satkosia gorge. As the Gharials do not get enough fish as their food, they die early, the social activists said. Irregular awareness campaigns for promotion of the endangered species have also adversely affected Gharial breeding. Earlier, the wildlife division was conducting community awareness programmes involving people from Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, Nayagarh and  Sonepur districts to bring down tussle between Gharial and humans. Although eco-tourism has been widely acclaimed as one of the best funding strategies for arranging resources for conservation, sustainable management could reduce disturbances in natural habitats. But, it is alleged that the nature camp at Tikarpada is poorly managed and plays a role in disturbing the natural habitat for Gharials.

A comprehensive plan of action has to be initiated for relocation of Muggers from Satkosia Gorge to increase the survival rate of Gharials which are endangered species. The wildlife division must adopt state of the art technology to constantly track and monitor the movement of Gharials through GPS system. Services of wildlife experts should be roped in for studies relating to Satkosia ecology and availbality of fish, the staple food of Gharials. It is high time that predators like Muggers in Satkosia gorge must be identified and relocated elsewhere to increase the chances of survival of Gharials. Community engagement has been paying rich dividends in habitat conservation throughout the world. Therefore, the wildlife officials should spearhead a movement that will attract like minded persons to come under a banner for taking awareness drive to next level.

Pollution Causes Vision Disorders In Angul-Talcher Region In Odisha

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The most important organ is eye. But, this organ is unfortunately exposed to environmental pollution in Angul-Talcher industrial region in Odisha. Widely known as the industrial heartland of India, Angul-Talcher region, has become a curse for local inhabitants who are exposed to thick smoke released from  thermal power plants, dust from open cast coal mines and other heavy industries such as Nalco, Jindal Steel and Power and a number of ancillary industries.  

Angul-Talcher industrial belt is the fourteen most polluted region in the country. There is no gainsaying that the industries contribute immensely to the growth of economy but this is also true that particulate matters like PM2.5, PM10, sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and radioactive elements float in the air and get into underground water reserve released from heavy industries. Doctors maintained that the most sensitive organ like eye is either partially or fully get damaged for contamination of air and water.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), seepage of heavy metals into groundwater deposit from fly ash ponds not only contaminate wells, ponds in villages, but rivers and other waterbodies are also polluted. The second largest river in Odisha, Brahmani, is contaminated. People living all along the banks of Brahmani get the share of contamination by using its water for drinking, bathing and  using it for irrigation purposes.

Pollution Linked Eye Diseases in Angul-Talcher

Conjunctivitis mostly affect elderly persons and children due to air pollution. Dr Brajabandhu Behera said allergies occur owing to environmental pollution. Itching, redness, swelling and watering of eyes are the symptoms of the such types of ocular complications, he said.

Pterygium, another eye problem, occur due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays and suspended dust particulates moving in the air, Dr Behera said and added that most of the persons affected with this eye problem generally work outdoors.

Certain dangerous eye diseases like Scleritis, Blepharites, Cataract and Cyst of Moll also occur due to contamination of air, water in mining areas in Talcher areas, Dr Behera said and added that safety precautions has to be carried out to protect the eyes which is most sensitive organ of our body. Reports from Talcher and Angul said more than thirty percent of patients coming to the hospitals have pollution related eye complications. The report further said dry eye and conjunctivitis were diagnosed most among workers who are employed in industrial concerns.

Impact Of Pollution On Eye:

The social impact is huge. Small time artisans and other skilled workers suffer most as their vision gets blurred. This complication leads to productivity losses and the workers run the risk of being fired from their units due to the ocular issues. Teachers and students working in Talcher region often complain vision blurring following smug. This condition occurs due to pollution.

Measures To Save Eye:

Dr Behera, who has done Master of Ophthalmology from DBU, Punjab, has advised people to practice good eye health by regularly washing eyelids with water for a number of times not to get infection due to environmental pollution. This habit is necessary for the people of Angul-Talcher region who are constantly exposed to toxic matters released by industries, he said. He said regular eye check ups are beneficial for the people who are residing in Angul-Talcher region or any industrial area because by doing this one can protect one's eyes from bad effects of pollutants. It is the responsibility of industries operating  in Angul-Talcher area to conduct training programmes relating to eye safety for their workers. The workers must be educated about recognizing symptoms such as blurred vision and pain. Use of goggles can prevent floating particulates in the air to enter eye.

The most important task of the industries should be to properly execute community awareness programmes in collaboration with voluntary organizations to educate about risks arising out of air and water contamination from mining projects. Coal mining activities are mostly responsible for damaging eyes. Therefore, mobile health units should offer free eye check ups and screening of the inhabitants in the peripheral regions in Angul-Talcher. The workers in industrial concerns should be aware of emergencies in the event of chemical exposure, such as thoroughly washing eyes with water, for a few minutes before taking medication.  

Odisha Rath Yatra-A Celebration Of Universal Brotherhood!

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Rath Yatra was celebrated with deep religious fervour and enthusiasm in Angul in Odisha on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of devotees pulled the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra from Jagannath Temple here to Mausima Temple. Devotees pulled the chariots all along the street to Mausima Temple, the aunt's home of Lord Jagannath, cheering Jay Jagannath.

Rath Yatra in Angul today(June 27, 2025)

The most important religious celebration in Odisha, Ratha Yatra, falls on Ashadha Suklapakhya Dwitiya according to Odia almanac. The month of Ashadha is July in English calendar. Lord Jagannath, who is fodly called by Odias as Kalia Thakura, goes to his aunt's home at Mausima Temple for a nine day sojourn. People from every nook and corner of the world are familiar with Odisha as the abode of Lord Jagannath. Therefore, Odisha is also popularly know as Jagannath Desh(Land of Lord Jagannath).

The Jagannath philosophy is unique in the world as it promotes universal brotherhood. Anybody can pull chariots on Ratha Yatra as there is no bar on caste, creed, colour or religion. This is Jagannath Sanskruti (Culture) of inclusivity, treats everybody as equal, irrespective of power and money. According to Hindu scriptures, pulling of chariots on the streets during Rath Yatra is a pious act that allows oneself to attain Moksha (Liberation) that will free her or him from the mundane anxieties. The religious festival is no longer confined to Odisha alone. Rath Yatra is now being acclaimed as an international festival which is celebrated in a number of countries world over.

Puri(Odisha):

The seat of Lord Jagannath,Puri in Odisha located on the shores of Bay of Bengal in the eastern part of India, is associated with this planet's largest religious procession of the three deities in which over 15 lakh devotees throng the 3-km long Bada Danda (Grand Street) during Rath Yatra. The holy trinity, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath, come out of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, their abode, to be pulled to Mausima Temple on chariots, situated 3-km away. The Rathas (Chariots), Nandighosa, Darpadalana and Taladhwaja are built afresh every year with neem and Sal wood.

Ahmedabad, Gujarat:

Odia tradition blends with Gujarati during Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. This festival is known to be the largest after Puri in Odisha. Unlike Puri, however, the chariots are pulled by devotees to Mausima temple on a thirteen kilometer stretch of road.

Kolkata (West Bengal)

Some places in Kolkata, predominantly populated by Odias, have also observed Rath Yatra with a blend of Bengali culture. The Bengalis are known to be great worshippers of Lord Jagannath. A large percentage of devotees who visit Puri every year to get darshan of Lord Jagannath belongs to West Bengal. They virtually make a beeline to Puri which they call as Jagannath Dham to have a glimpse of Jaga Kalia for his blessings.   

ISKCON:Rath Yatra is not confined to Puri alone. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) celebrates the festival in cosmopolitan cities like London and New York.The credit goes to ISKCON that has popularized the festival in a number of countries to spread Jagannath culture world over. The universal appeal of Rath Yatra has separated it from other religious festivities in India or abroad. The appeal of Jagannath culture is unmatched and it promotes brotherhood worldwide.

Mafia Usurp Dalit Land In Angul Dist, Administration Remains Silent

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Members of Dalit communities in Kuio Jungle under Banarpal block in Angul district in Odisha alleged that mafias have usurped their land in connivance with influential persons who have good rapport with revenue officials. Over 45 people belonging to Dalit families have alleged that most of their landholdings are leased out to influential persons who are rich and powerful and connected with the corridor of power. Mithun Behera, Prashant Behera and Kanhu Charan Behera who organized a rally participated by the affected families to protest against the injustice urged revenue officials in Angul district to take action against the mafia. They said they will resort to agitation if the administration delays action.

There are reports that members of Dalit community in Angul have been facing discrimination on the basis of their caste like other regions of Odisha. We are living in the 21st century but the position of Dalits in our society is no better than what it was during the pre-independence days in our country, social activists working for uplift of Dalits and marginalized communities in Angul district opined. The activists said industrialization has further worsened their situation as people from upper caste try to takeover the  landed property of Dalits by influencing them in various ways. They are punished in Kangaroo courts for negligible offences or banished from the society, they said and added that their only fault is that they belong to a lower caste strata. They are subjected to inhuman treatment and violence on the slightest pretext, the social activists added.

The most recent example of atrocities against Dalits is Dharakote incident in Ganjam district in Odisha. The incident has shocked everybody in the state how two persons from Dalit community were scandalized in public. Media reports said both of them were subjected to inhuman treatment by forcing to drink sewerage water. The media reports also said that one's head was half tonsured and face blemished with black colour. Meanwhile, Convenor of Odisha BJD SC Cell Mahesh Sahu, has written to the Director General of Police to take immediate action against the perpetrators who have committed heinous crime in Dharakote in Ganjam district.

This is a common practice among the upper classes to deny land rights to Dalits in most parts of the country. Dalit communities in Angul district continue to  face hardships due to massive industrialization. A number of open cast coal mines have already eaten up their land and most of them fail to get due compensation in the form of money or employment. Industrialization has thrown a massive challenge to their survival as mafia are eyeing to usurp their land and sell at a exorbitant prices to prospective buyers to make huge profits. 

Satkosia Villagers In Angul District Question Intension Behind Relocation

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Villagers in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary have come down to the streets of district headquarters town in Angul in Odisha to protest against relocation of villages which is allegedly done by the wildlife division in the guise of protection of environment and conservation of biodiversity. Over five hundred men, women and children under the banner of Bhitamati Jana Jiban Surakhsha Committee have recently gheraoed Angul District Collectorate to protest against illegal relocation of villages in Satkosia. They have presented a memorandum containing 9-point charter of demands to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, through additional district magistrate Uday Kumar Mohapatra, urging him to put a halt to relocation of villages in the name of conservation in Satkosia region.

The nine point charter of demands includes protection of their crops and vegetation and houses from attacks by wild animals, utilization of fund deposited with Environmental Development Committee (EDC) for developmental activities in villages, allowing fishing activities for the communities living on the banks of river Mahanadi to earn their living and improvement of mobile network facilities in Satkosia.

Mass protest by villagers of Satkosia under the banner of Bhitamati Jana Jiban Suraksha Committee in front of Angul Collectorate against relocation  

President of Bhitamati Jana Jiban Surakhsha Committee, Bidyadhar Pradhan, Vice President Trinath Sahu and Tikarpada Sarpanch Soumyaranjan Sahu alleged that in the name of Project Tiger, the wildlife division in Angul has been trying to dislodge people from their ancestral homes giving a meager Rs 20 lakh per family as compensation. This sum is not adequate to go to other places and live a decent life with family, the members said.There is no tiger in Satkosia and the wildlife division has failed to convert the sanctuary into a habitat where Royal Bengal Tigers(RBTs) can survive, the Surakhsha Committee members alleged. Earlier, the wildlife division had experimented with RBTs like Mahaveer and Sundari, but failed miserably. The male tiger, Mahaveer, died under suspicious circumstances and tigress Sundari turned ferocious killing cattle in Satkosia wildlife sanctuary. The tigress was eventually sent back to Bandhavgarh sanctuary from where it was brought. The Project Tiger idea in Satkosia virtually came to an end with the exit of tigress Sundari.            

The Satkosia wildlife sanctuary is not only a home to rare species and flora and fauna, but tribal communities also regard this forest region as their exclusive place where they can thrive. The tribal people are deeply attached to the sanctuary, but of late they are disturbed by the threat of relocation. The people of Tikarpada, Karadapada, Ramimunda and Majhipada who are mostly tribals, believe that the lush green forest has merged into their life and it is in their lifeblood.The forest is everything for them. They get firewood, get fish from the largest river of Odisha, Mahanadi, that passes through their region. Shifting to other places leaving behind their ancestral home and hearth will be suicidal for them, the Bhitamati Jana Jiban Suraksha Committee members alleged and gave example of New Raiguda how relocation has become a curse for the villagers.

Worthwhile to mention here that villagers of erstwhile Raiguda situated in the core area of Satkosia wildlife sanctuary were relocated to a place near Nuakheta some years ago, but there are allegations that most of the inhabitants in the new colony set up by the forest department lack basic facilities. People of Satkosia have been protesting for several years to put a halt to the relocation drive undertaken by the wildlife division by simply doling out Rs 20 lakh per family. There are allegations that in most cases innocent tribal people have been forced to toe the line of forest officials and leave for other places to live as nomadic.

Wildlife officials argued that settlements inside core areas in Satkosia will disturb species and their breeding will be hampered. The human settlements inside the area will also encourage animal-man tussle which will not be beneficial for conservation of biodiversity in Satkosia. They said the only solution left is to relocate the villagers with compensation and let the wildlife species have their own natural way to live inside the forest. 

BJP-BJD Rivalry Over Medical College Issue Not To Favour Angul,Talcher People

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

As petty politics over the commencement of Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Medical College and Hospital has begun, Angul district administration in Odisha has clamped section 163 to discourage rallies or protest march in Talcher region. The prohibitory measure has been imposed on the entire stretch starting from Talcher FCI square to Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Medical College and Hospital square, banning protest movements or mass dharna from June 17 to July 16, during which period a high level team from National Medical Commission (NMC) is expected to visit Talcher to oversee the feasibility of its commencement.

The administration's move was necessitated after Talcher Medical College Action Committee had decided to stage a mass protest in front of Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Medical College and Hospital  demanding its early commencement. However, the Action Committee members withdrew their strike after the imposition of section 163.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rudranarayan Pani has alleged that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is politicizing the issue to send a confusing message to the people over commencement of Pabitra Mohan Pradhan Medical College and Hospital. Pani said BJD did nothing for early commissioning of the medical college during its tenure and added that the medical project was left to rot for years. The Dhenkanal BJP MP told reporters that his party will fulfill the promise given to the local people for early commencement of the medical college in Talcher.

BJD-BJP Rivalry

Both BJD and BJP treats the medical college project as an opportunity to consolidate their electoral prospects in Talcher region which is an industrial hub in Dhenkanal Parliamentary constituency.  The issue has electoral implications as the BJD candidate lost to BJP's Rudra Narayan Pani in fierce fight in 2024 election. Therefore, BJD has no other way than to play with the sentiments of Talcher people by diluting the issue, political observers said. They said BJD was dilly dallying the medical college project for years and virtually kept the people of Talcher guessing about its commencement. The observers said BJD is trying its best to keep the loyalty base of its voters in Talcher region intact. Ever since BJP wrested power from BJD unseating Naveen Patnaik who had ruled Odisha for 24 years, the saffron party has been rebranding all the projects undertaken by the latter. In the case of medical college project in Talcher, BJP is also trying its best to take full credit for it by implementing the project at the earliest.

As local netas fight over the commencement of the medical college, the aspiring students of the region who have qualified for NEET with good all India rank are equally worried over their career prospects. No body knows when the high level delegation of NMC will oversee the infrastructure and other facilities as no exact date has been announced to the effect. Sources said the district administration is also in the dark about the team's visit. However, there is a possibility that team will visit soon, the sources added. As NEET results are already out and a number of talented students from Angul-Talcher region who have successfully cracked this examination aspriring to take admission into medical degree course, the delay in commencement of their medical college in the region has discouraged them. Knowledgeable sources said that NMC's delay in supervision of infrastructural facilities will impact on the admission prospects in the academic year.      

The medical college and hospital has been named after the freedom fighter Pabitra Mohan Pradhan of Talcher. The sooner the medical college is commissioned, the better it will be for the people of Angul-Talcher industrial area who are exposed to air and water pollution. People will not have to make a beeline for hospitals in cities like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for treatment.