Bhubaneswar: State govt has constituted a high-level inquiry committee to examine the relocation of villages from Satkosia Tiger Reserve, following the recommendation of Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which found prima facie evidence of serious procedural lapses and possible violations of forest rights and rehabilitation norms.In a notification issued on Monday, the forest, environment and climate change department said the committee would investigate the entire village-wise relocation process linked to the reserve, excluding Raiguda village. The panel will be headed by the additional chief secretary of revenue and disaster management department and include senior officials from the forest, law and ST & SC development departments, along with retired Indian Forest Service officer Anup Nayak, former member secretary of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), as an independent expert.The move follows an OHRC order dated Feb 9, 2026, passed in a series of complaints filed by residents of several villages affected by relocation from areas associated with Satkosia in Angul. The complainants alleged that the relocation exercise was undertaken without free, prior and informed consent of gram sabhas, without proper settlement of rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and in violation of statutory guidelines governing voluntary relocation from protected areas.After examining records and hearing from officials, the commission observed that the relocation process appeared to suffer from significant irregularities. It noted allegations that gram sabha meetings were conducted without adequate notice or participation, that resolutions did not necessarily reflect free and informed consent, and that beneficiary identification processes were flawed.OHRC further observed that several eligible residents, including married daughters, long-term residents and persons with disabilities, were allegedly excluded from compensation and rehabilitation benefits, while some ineligible persons were included without adequate verification. It has also noted concerns over compensation assessments, saying payments were allegedly made without fair valuation of houses, trees, livestock and livelihood assets.In its order, commission underlined that any relocation from tiger habitats must comply with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and NTCA guidelines. It stressed that relocation must be voluntary, preceded by recognition and settlement of forest rights, and backed by informed consent of affected gram sabhas.Acting on commission’s recommendation, state govt has tasked the inquiry committee with examining compliance with all applicable laws and guidelines, identifying wrongful inclusion or exclusion of beneficiaries, assessing the adequacy of compensation and rehabilitation packages, and recommending corrective measures wherever necessary.The committee has also been asked to identify officials responsible for procedural irregularities or violations and recommend departmental as well as criminal action. It will examine whether affected families are entitled to differential compensation, restoration of rights or additional livelihood support. The inquiry panel has been directed to submit its report within six weeks of its constitution.