120 Katrang families shifted out of Satkosia reserve
The 120 families from Katrang village in the core area of Satkosia Tiger Reserve have been relocated to make way for development of meadows. The relocation was part of the habitat rejuvenation project after the tiger translocation project failed earlier. Wildlife officials said the villagers were relocated after they agreed to move out of the core area where they have been living for years. The presence of humans disturbs animals in the core area, and they were given compensation as per the guideline of the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Sources said the relocation provided the wildlife wing of 450 hectares as the villagers vacated the space. The department will develop meadow for prey animals or herbivores so that it becomes sustainable for carnivores at present. Satkosia has no tiger currently, but leopards are only sighted in Satkosia Field Director of Satkosia's statement. Five villages including Katrang need to be vacated to create inviolate space in the reserve.