Archive · 31 May 2025
SC Panel Seeks Response on Satkosia Green Zone Violations
Imagine a beautiful tiger reserve called Satkosia, a protected area.
The government wants to allow more tourists, but some people are worried about the rules.
They think the government might change the rules to let them build more things, which could be harmful.
The Supreme Court is now asking the government to explain what's going on.
The people who are worried say that building too much could hurt the animals and the special protected areas.
They want to protect this reserve, and they are asking the government to do it properly.
The Supreme Court's Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has requested a response from Odisha's Chief Secretary regarding alleged ESZ violations in Satkosia Tiger Reserve.
The Satkosia Abhayaranya and Praja Surakshya Samiti (SAPSS) filed a petition, claiming the forest department seeks to alter ESZ norms for tourism projects.
The petitioners state that the new draft proposal significantly reduces the ESZ in some areas.
The CEC cited a 2022 SC judgment emphasizing the need for eco-tourism within tiger reserves.
Concerns include construction without necessary approvals and the potential negative impact on tiger, crocodile and gharial conservation.
- Who
- Supreme Court, CEC, Odisha Chief Secretary, SAPSS, Odisha Forest Department
- What
- Response sought on alleged violations of eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) norms in Satkosia Tiger Reserve.
- When
- May 16 (CEC request)
- Where
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Odisha
- Why
- Due to concerns about the dilution of ESZ regulations to accommodate tourism projects within the tiger reserve.
Conservationists/SAPSS
Odisha Forest Department (Implied)
ESZ Boundaries
Conservationists/SAPSS
The proposed changes to ESZ boundaries will reduce protection and endanger wildlife.
Odisha Forest Department (Implied)
The new draft plan will help promote tourism.
Tourism and Development
Conservationists/SAPSS
Allowing commercial tourism in core areas harms conservation.
Odisha Forest Department (Implied)
The changes support development.
- Location
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Odisha
- Organizations Involved
- Supreme Court, CEC, Satkosia Abhayaranya and Praja Surakshya Samiti (SAPSS), Odisha Forest Department
- Issue
- Alleged violations of ESZ norms for tourism activities
- Ramsar Site
- Satkosia
- Date of CEC request
- May 16
