Protected Area Network in Orissa - Vasundhara

No. of Human Habitations insidethe SanctuaryPopulationScheduled V Area1 72 villages (including hamlets)2 25 Revenue villagesN.AFullyIssues related to livelihood in BadramaAccording to the official sources, there exist only 25 revenue villages within thesanctuary. But, according to a local NGO named Sambalpur Integrated DevelopmentInstitute based at Tiklipada the actual number is 72 which includes some revenuevillages and hamlets.Inhabitants of as many as 72 villages and hamlets, residing inside the Badramasanctuary, face a new threat of losing their livelihood today. The residents whocritically depend on collecting various NTFP products for their sustenance are nowprevented from doing so by the forest department. As it is the only source of people'slivelihood the restriction has caused serious economic dislocation among the locals.With the only source of income at stake people often resent the access committed bythe forest department and lock their horns with the officials leading to minor scuffleand pitch battle. The problem is acute in case of collection of Kendu leaf, Bamboo, Salseeds and Mahua as these are largely available in the sanctuary area.1 Vasundhara, 2004; information collected from a local NGO, Sambalpur Integrated Development Institute,Tiklipada.2 Official sources; Wild Orissa, 2004, Forest Department, Government of Orissa.33