Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to biodiversity conservation, research, and eco-tourism in the region, Regional Plant Resource Center II will be developed over a sprawling area of approximately 134 acres at Sanaghagara, a location already famous for its natural beauty and waterfall, thanks for love of nature by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi.
RPRC, Bhubaneswar is a premier botanical garden and a dynamic research and development organization under the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department of the Government of Odisha. It is popularly known to the public as Ekamra Kanan.
Established in 1985, RPRC serves as the first and primary facility of its kind in the state, functioning both as a green lung for the capital city and a scientific institute dedicated to the conservation of plant biodiversity.
Spread over a sprawling area of approximately 500 acres, the botanical garden is one of the biggest parks in Bhubaneswar and a major attraction for nature lovers, families, and researchers.
Now RPRC II, the ambitious project, a flagship initiative of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and its’ smooth and meticulous execution is being creditably spearheaded by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department, Shri Satyabrata Sahu.
When Chief Minister Shri Majhi desired to provide a multi-faceted center in Keonjhar, focusing on four core areas: biodiversity conservation, community engagement, eco-tourism promotion, and research and education in plant science, taking inspiration from the Chief Minister’s keen interest in the project—which he considers a “pet project”—Shri Sahu had earlier visited the proposed site at Sanaghagara.
This on-ground assessment helped him meticulously plan the details, ensuring the design preserves the natural ecology of the 134-acre land and harmonizes with the picturesque waterfall nearby.
The RPRC II will feature an impressive collection of thematic gardens designed to showcase Odisha’s rich floral diversity. Highlights will include an Orchid Conservation and Display Centre, Lotus Garden,Wild Edible Fruit Garden, Fern Garden and a Medicinal Plant Garden.
The facility will also house diverse collections of roses, bamboo, cacti, and local wild fruits, enhancing the aesthetic and ecological value of the site.
Chief Minister Shri Majhi emphasized the project’s potential to transform Sanaghagara into a major, year-round tourist destination. He directed officials to ensure the center remains open to tourists and the public throughout the year.
Furthermore, addressing local challenges, the CM stressed the need for sustainable practices and safety. He instructed the district administration to implement deep trenches to effectively mitigate the frequent human-elephant conflict in the area.
To ensure a continuous and ample water supply by protecting the natural flow of the Machhkandana River, which passes through the site.
Chief Minister Shri Majhi urged to utilize local stone and wood for all construction elements and furniture to promote sustainability and regional craftsmanship.
The success of the project’s inception is largely attributed to the proactive planning of ACS Shri Sahu. Known as an ace nature lover, Shri Sahu, has been executing the Chief Minister’s vision for the RPRC with all sincerity and a personal touch.
The project is poised to be a significant addition to the state’s conservation and tourism landscape, following in the footsteps of the first RPRC located in Bhubaneswar.