Baripada, May 6: Authorities of the Similipal Tiger Reserve have started relocating residents of Kabatghai village in the sanctuary's core area.

The move follows the successful relocation of the tribal people living from Jamuna, which is also a part of the core area. Sources said the sanctuary authorities had already held a series of meetings regarding the move to shift villagers from Kabatghai. They have also taken members of the gram sabha into confidence regarding the matter.

The local block development officer, tehsildar and wildlife officials had attended a meeting with the villagers, and the villagers "consented" to the relocation.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority has made provisions for compensations of Rs 10 lakh to each adult in the event of relocation. However, the district administration has also assured the villagers of providing a house on 10 decimals and skill development training under an integrated action plan in order to encourage the tribal people.

A survey, carried out by the forest department, has identified 170 villagers, of whom 48 are eligible for compensation. Each person above 18 years of age is considered as a family unit. The district administration extended all these facilities to the tribal people, who had vacated Jamuna village last September. At present, they are staying at Nabra under Udla block.

Around 25 Kabatghai villagers have made visits to Nabra in order to see the living conditions of those relocated from Jamuna. They were also shown the patch in Manda under Joshipur block (about 7km from block headquarters) where they would be relocated.

"The gram sabha has been held, and the villagers have given their consent to move out. We are going to execute our plan before monsoon since we have already received their approval," a senior tiger reserve official told The Telegraph. Following the relocation of Kabatghai villagers, the authorities will make efforts to relocate those residing at Bakua village.

Similipal will become eligible for national park status once the process is completed. "Although Similipal was considered for the status of national park by authorities, the notification has not been issued till date because of the presence of villages in the sanctuary's core area," said wildlife activist Bhanumitra Acharya.