Bantala: The recent decision of the state government to exclude 104 villages from the ambitious tiger reserve project area has been welcomed by villagers who faced several restrictions earlier during their stay in the locality.
As a part of the project, which aims to increase the dwindling tiger population in the state, the government has expanded the area of the Satkosia Reserve Forest in Angul district. About 359.79 sq km from 10 reserve forests of Dhenkanal, Boudh, Cuttack and Angul districts have been added to the existing area.
At the same time, 104 villages located inside the sanctuary have been given respite by excluding their areas from the tiger project.
The villagers, who faced several restrictions for years due to the Wildlife Act, are now hopeful of enjoying the basic facilities.
The move will benefit 8,538 people from 27 villages in Angul district under the Satkosia Sanctuary. These villages include Kataranga (big), Hatibari, Karadapada, Ramimunda, Badakheta, Salar, Purunakote, Gopalpur, Chhotkei, Tuluka, Pampasara, Hinsirida, Jagannathpur, Takarisinga, Jokubu, Kulangi, Kataranga (small), Gaindi, Majhipada, Beherasahi, Tikarpada, Nuabhuin, Karadabani, Mahulia, Baghamunda, Talasira and Labangi.
Similarly, 16 villages under the Athamallik forest division – Luhasinga, Nilamara, Kodasinga, Malibarahi, Jamadoli, Dolamundi, Karadasing, Nimabadihi, Tentulipadar, Daruha, Bada Dudhinali, Kusasinga, Talabijepur, Kutulisinga, Najahar and Jharpada – will also benefit from the decision.
The 27 villages in Cuttack district that have been excluded from the tiger project are Kainpokhari, Regeda, Mandania, Chikanakhandi, Talasahi, Nuagaon, Satyajaypur, Kunjabanpur, Kamaladiha, Baliput, Ranibhuin, Prikaregada, Kaintara, Panchami, Basantpur, Sanagaon, Jaymangalpur, Jagannathpur, Hinjalakhai, Jaymangalpur (A), Mahigadi, Janisahi, Shyampur, Dhanadhipa, Badagaon and Badhidharegada.
In addition, Malisahi, Badamula, Bethiasahi, Muduluigadia, Chhamundia, Haripur, Kanipokhari, Bentapada, Ishwarpur, Mashokajholi, Raigadia, Mahanapada, Jashipur, Raingi, Dhobaberei, Kimbhirakhani, Badamulapatna, Ranikhol and Barpali in Nayagarh district have also been excluded from the project.
Similarly, villagers in Boudh district’s Kumari, Hatighara, Bhabapur, Budhamba, Nuapada, Shreepaju, Geredisahi, Hinjala, Satakhandi, Kutibari, Atalasara and Badanandagadu will also benefit from the decision.
Additional chief forest conservator Sudarshan Panda said the Central government has approved the list of 104 villages, which was prepared after consulting the concerned Collectors.
“After the state government’s notification, the restrictions imposed on these villages are no longer applicable. Hence, the villagers would get all benefits under the government’s developmental projects. But they need to remember one thing. They will be punished if they carry out any illegal activities inside the core area,” Panda added.
PNN