Corridor Catharsis

The proposed Similipal-Satkosia wildlife corridor in Odisha can be connecting link for the survival of endangered species. But mining activities need to be eliminated

- Dipak Anand, Syed Ainul Hussain And Ruchi Badola

IN 1976, Satkosia in Angul district of Odisha was established as a wildlife sanctuary. It was designated as a tiger reserve in 2007 and comprises the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjacent Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a paradise of immense scenic charm and is one of the best ecosystems in the country, home to diverse floral and faunal species. The major plant species in this mixed deciduous forests include Sal as well as riverine forests. The area is also a part of the Mahanadi elephant reserve. At present, the area houses some tigers and there are plans to introduce more from other areas.

Importantly, the National Tiger Conservation Authority has identified a potential link for the migration of wild animals from the Similipal Tiger Reserve to the Satkosia Tiger Reserve and has proposed a corridor. It is a very long corridor, but is highly fragmented due to intense mining activities, power stations and a large number of human habitations. According to a study by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, conducted in 2014, there are more than 250 villages in and around of this corridor.