Similipal Declared National Park in Odisha

Similipal, a vast forest region in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, has been officially declared a National Park by the state government. The decision, announced on Thursday, was made under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by the state’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change department.

In a landmark move for both Odisha and the nation, the declaration was hailed as a significant step towards sustainable development and conservation efforts in the region. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), this declaration marks Similipal as the 107th National Park in India and the largest in Odisha, spanning 845.70 square kilometers.

The CMO Odisha highlighted that the move strengthens the state’s ecological legacy, promotes tribal welfare, and reinforces its commitment to a sustainable future. Similipal, renowned for its rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes, is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, and numerous endangered species.

The decision is expected to boost both conservation efforts and ecotourism in the region while ensuring the protection of its diverse ecosystems. It also aims to address the aspirations of the local tribal communities, whose livelihoods are intertwined with the forest’s natural resources.

With this new status, Similipal National Park joins other prominent parks across the country, contributing to India’s conservation network and furthering its goal of a greener, more sustainable future.