Supreme Court Agrees to hear Plea Alleging Illegal Constructions in Odisha’s Satkosia Tiger Reserve

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear a petition raising alarm over alleged illegal constructions and eco-tourism activities within the ecologically sensitive Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha.

The Bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, along with Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, took note of the submissions made by Advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal seeking urgent listing of the matter.

“The district collector has issued permissions for eco-tourism constructions inside the reserve. How can this be permitted? I am just fighting for forests,” Bansal submitted, flagging concerns over environmental degradation due to constructions within the protected area.

The Bench assured the matter would be heard at a later date.

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve, located across the districts of Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh, is a critical habitat for several endangered species including tigers and elephants, and is protected under India’s wildlife conservation framework

Mentioning Date: July 23, 2025

Bench: CJI BR Gavai, Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice Joymalya Bagchi