Villagers in Odisha’s Satkosia Sanctuary region protest for land rights and livelihood

Hundreds of villagers from multiple settlements around Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary staged a massive protest on Friday in front of the Angul District Collector’s office, demanding a resolution to pressing issues such as land ownership and livelihood rights. Their movement was driven by growing frustration.

Also Read: Keonjhar Tata Steel Plant accused of employing outsiders, depriving jobs to local youths

Locals protested over 12-point charter of demands

According to sources, in a powerful demonstration of grassroots resistance, a large number of villagers from several hamlets surrounding the Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary took to the streets, rallying behind a 12-point charter of demands. The agitation, organised under the banner of a local outfit ‘Bhitamati O Jibanajibika Surakhya Committee‘, culminated in a large gathering outside the district collectorate.

The demonstrators, hundreds in number, marched through the town in a grand procession before assembling in front of the government office. Their demands included secure land tenure, livelihood assurances, and long-term solutions to challenges faced due to their proximity to the protected sanctuary area.

Anger has been mounting for months, with the villagers expressing concern over increasing restrictions on their traditional rights and inadequate government intervention.

The protestors submitted a memorandum addressed to the Odisha Chief Minister, urging the district administration to take immediate steps to resolve their grievances and ensure dignified living conditions for affected communities.

This protest underscores the growing tensions between conservation efforts and the rights of indigenous and local populations living in forest-fringe areas.

“Residents from 12 villages have come today to protest in front of the collectorate. Forest personnel have been disturbing us. Elephants and wild boars are entering our houses. The Department is not taking any steps to resolve our problems. For a long time, we have been demanding fencing, which is not being met,” protester Soumyaranjan Sahu said.

“Villagers under the Tikarpada panchayat are facing utter difficulties. Their livelihoods are now on the verge of peril. We have been requesting the DFO concerned for fencing, but to no avail,” the committee president, Bidyadhar Pradhan, stated.