Odisha Plans to Ease Forest, Wildlife Norms for Tourism; Experts Raise Alarm

The Odisha government is planning to relax environmental and wildlife protection norms to promote tourism in some of the state’s most ecologically sensitive regions, sparking serious concerns among legal and conservation experts.

According to official records, the state intends to amend existing Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notifications—legal provisions that restrict commercial and construction activities around protected areas. The proposed changes could impact national parks, tiger reserves, coastal zones, and Ramsar-designated wetlands.

Minutes from a high-level meeting chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary on May 30 reveal that the government is aiming to remove several restrictions currently in place under ESZ regulations, arguing that these rules hinder tourism-related development.

However, conservationists and legal experts have strongly criticized the move, calling it a potential threat to biodiversity, forest cover, and tribal communities that depend on these ecosystems.

“This proposal is dangerous. Diluting ESZ protections will weaken the legal safeguards for wildlife and forests, and may violate the rights of tribal people living in these areas,” said a senior environmental lawyer.

The proposal is reportedly part of a broader strategy to boost eco-tourism and attract investment in the state’s natural heritage zones. However, experts warn that such an approach risks prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term environmental stability.

Environmental activists have urged the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to intervene and ensure that the integrity of India’s protected areas is maintained.

The development comes amid growing tension nationwide between economic development and ecological preservation, with Odisha now at the center of the debate.