Odisha Marks Wildlife Week 2026 with New Conservation, Research and Ecotourism Initiatives

Odisha celebrated State-Level Wildlife Week 2026 with a series of conservation, research and ecotourism initiatives aimed at strengthening wildlife protection and promoting greater ecological awareness across the state.

The main celebration was held at the State Convention Centre, Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, in the presence of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia as the chief guest.

Focus on Wildlife Conservation and Research

Speaking at the event, Minister Singkhuntia said Wildlife Week was an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between people and nature and renew the state’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

He highlighted Odisha’s conservation achievements over the past two years, attributing the progress to scientific approaches, modern technology, administrative measures and the contributions of forest personnel and local communities.

An achievement video showcasing the work of the Wildlife Wing and a presentation on wildlife awareness activities conducted across Odisha during the week were screened during the programme.

A major highlight was the launch of CM-GROW (Chief Minister’s Grant for Research on Odisha’s Wildlife), an initiative aimed at promoting research and strengthening the scientific foundation of wildlife conservation in the state.

New Ecotourism Destinations and Projects

The programme also featured the release of coloured postcards and special covers and the online inauguration of several day-visit ecotourism destinations.

These included Peacock Valley and Nageswar Dam in Chandaka Wildlife Division, destinations in Similipal North Wildlife Division, Karakhol in Chilika Wildlife Division, Sambalpur Zoo and visitor amenities in Hirakud Wildlife Division.

Foundation stones were also laid virtually for upcoming ecotourism projects at Rajhans in Chilika Wildlife Division, Rani Duduma in Koraput Forest Division, Badmul in Mahanadi Wildlife Division and Pentha in Rajnagar Wildlife Division. New facilities at Nandankanan Zoological Park were also included among the upcoming projects.

Publications Highlight Odisha’s Biodiversity

The event also witnessed the launch of the film The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats, highlighting the biological richness and ecological importance of the Eastern Ghats.

Another publication, The Intertidal Ecosystem of Bhitarkanika, was released during the programme.

Several other publications and technical documents were unveiled, including Wildlife Odisha – 2026, The Long Walk to Similipal, Explore Odisha, Orchid Genera of Odisha in Pictures, Mahanadi re Ghadial ra Jibani, Tracking the Ocean Wanderers and Two Flamingos Two Journeys.

The publications cover Odisha’s biodiversity, wildlife research, ecotourism opportunities and satellite telemetry studies of important species.

Support for People Affected by Human-Wildlife Conflict

The celebration also included the distribution of sanction orders and cheques to people whose houses were completely damaged by wildlife. The assistance reaffirmed the state’s efforts to support communities affected by human-wildlife interactions.

The event was attended by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF and HoFF Dr K. Murugesan, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, Additional PCCF (Wildlife) Dr Manoj V. Nair, senior Forest Department officials, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists.