Odisha High Court issued a notice to the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) over a ban on Munda tribals from accessing Jayara, a sacred grove inside the tiger reserve.This raised concerns over the conflict between conservation efforts (e.g. tiger reintroduction) and tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
The Jayara site is sacred to the Munda tribe and is part of their ancestral ritual tradition.
In January 2025, the STR authorities prohibited access citing safety concerns due to the Tiger Supplementation Program.
Tribals argue this violates their rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and threatens their cultural heritage.
The matter is currently sub judice, with the next court hearing scheduled for July 21, 2025.
About Similipal Tiger Reserve
Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Odisha (northernmost part). It Falls under the Deccan Peninsular Biogeographic Zone and Lies at the confluence of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Northeast Himalayan biodiversity zones—making it ecologically unique.STR forms part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, including Hadgarh and Kuldiha sanctuarie The area is also rich in sacred groves (Jayara) used for tribal rituals, reflecting deep cultural ties to the land.
Northern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests dominate and Semi-evergreen patches and grasslands also exist. It is Rich in medicinal and aromatic plants. The Dominant tree species: Sal (Shorea robusta).
Water Bodies
At least twelve rivers cut across the plain area, all of which drain into the Bay of Bengal. The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo
It is Home to: Bengal tiger (highest population in Odisha) Asian elephant Hill mynah (state bird of Chhattisgarh and key indicator species) Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Four-horned antelope, Wild boar, Barking deer, Jungle cat and Reptiles: King cobra, Tricarinate hill turtle
|
Year |
Event |
|---|---|
|
1956 |
Declared as a Tiger Reserve |
|
1973 |
Included under Project Tiger |
|
1994 |
Declared a Biosphere Reserve |
|
2009 |
Recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves |
It is Home to several tribal groups, including: Munda, Ho, Gond, Bhumija, Kolha and Particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs): Erenga Kharia, Mankidia
Tribes rely on forest resources for livelihood and cultural practices. Sacred groves like Jayara are central to tribal rituals and identity.
Forest Fires: Caused naturally by lightning or dry conditions.
Often man-made, e.g.: Fires lit for mahua flower collection. Fires used by poachers to flush out wildlife.
Poaching and habitat intrusion
Conflicts between conservation and tribal rights
It acts as a biodiversity hotspot for the eastern Indian subcontinent.
It Links ecological systems of three major bio-geographic zones.
It Protects endangered species like the Bengal tiger, King cobra, and Tricarinate hill turtle.
It is Culturally rich due to presence of sacred groves, tribal customs, and traditional ecological knowledge.
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
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