In a landmark development, Similipal has officially been declared a National Park, fulfilling a vision that began in 1980. The announcement was made today by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, under the guidance of Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia.
With this declaration, Similipal becomes India’s 107th National Park, Odisha’s second National Park after Bhitarkanika, and the largest in the state, spanning 845.70 sq km. This recognition brings national attention to Similipal’s unparalleled biodiversity, rich tribal legacy, and ecological significance. ACS Home & Forest, Satyabrata Sahu expressed happiness over the National Park tag for similipal
A Four-Decade-Long Aspiration Realized
First proposed in 1980, the declaration of Similipal as a National Park remained pending for over four decades. The final notification acknowledges Similipal’s multi-layered significance — as a Wildlife Sanctuary, Project Tiger, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and Elephant Reserve.
Ecological Significance
Similipal is one of India’s most unique ecological landscapes. It is home to:
- 40 wild tigers, including the world’s only population of wild melanistic tigers.
- 25% of Odisha’s elephant population.
- 104 orchid species, many endemic to the region.
- Over 360 species of birds.
- Diverse mammals, including leopards, sambar, and mugger crocodiles.
- Key river catchments in northern Odisha.
Its forests are a mix of sal, moist deciduous, and semi-evergreen varieties.
Conservation Efforts
To protect the newly designated National Park, the Forest Department is implementing the Greater Similipal Landscape Programme. This includes:
- AI-powered camera towers and trail guard camera systems.
- V-SAT communication networks for surveillance in remote areas.
- A dedicated security force, including trained police personnel and ex-servicemen.
In a significant step towards tiger population recovery, two female tigers from Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) have been introduced. The goal is to reach a tiger population of 100 by 2036.
Community Involvement
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the Government of Odisha has launched the Ama Similipal Yojana, an integrated program for:
- Livelihood enhancement and skill training for local communities.
- Promotion of eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
- Infrastructure upgrades in health, education, and resource access.
A Homeland for Indigenous Communities
Similipal is home to indigenous communities like the Birhor, Hill Khadia, Ujya, Ho, Santhal, Mankidia, and Kharia, who possess centuries of ecological wisdom and cultural heritage. The National Park status protects biodiversity and uplifts the identity and pride of these communities.
The formal recognition of Similipal as a National Park is described as a milestone in the journey of Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat, strengthening India’s protected area network and reinforcing Odisha’s leadership in environmental stewardship.