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.