Protected Area Network in Orissa - Vasundhara

as well as forest offence before 1980. From the joint verification five habitationsnamely, Bandeka, Bandepipili, Jakeshi, Srambi and Bindupadar were identified forconversion into revenue villages. Out of these five Bindupadar was found to beoutside the sanctuary area. These four villages consisted of 113 families with apopulation of around 342. Again, differences cropped up between the twoconcerned departments on the total area of these villages. According to theRevenue Department the total area including homestead and agricultural land was1050 acres while the forest department said the area was only 339 acres. Thedifferences seem to be continuing till the date. Only one hamlet i.e. Srambi hasbeen regularized. However, even in this case final disposal of rights has not takenplace. (Issues in Sanctuaries and National Parks in Orissa, report by Samir StephanKujur undertaken in association with RCDC, July 2002).• Controversy over issuance of patta inside the sanctuaryDuring the period 1998-99 permanent pattas were provided inside the sanctuaryarea, which raised a lot of controversy between the two departments, RevenueDepartment and Forest department. Since this came within the limits of thesanctuary the forest department was of the opinion that pattas cannot be given tothe people. On the other hand, the concerned Tahasildar was of the views that therevenue department has not received any information on the situation and limitsof the sanctuary from the Collector. Besides, pattas were provided only in thecultivable wasteland category, a revenue land and not a jungle kisam. Accordingto him, there was a pressure from the Government to provide homestead patta asthe Hon’ble Chief Minister desired that all the homesteadless persons were to beprovided with 4 decimals of land between 15 th August, 1998 to 26 th January, 1999.• Settlement of villager’s rightOne of the major concern is with regard to uncertainties with which people areresiding within the sanctuary area. According to the district authorities only therevenue villages will be allowed to continue inside the sanctuary. This raisesquestion on what is going to happen to the people of 23 hamlets situated within70