Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance biodiversity conservation, research, and eco-tourism, the Odisha government has announced the establishment of the state’s second Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) at Sanghagra in Keonjhar district. The existing RPRC is located in Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi held detailed discussions with the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department and the Keonjhar District Administration at Lokseva Bhawan regarding the proposed center, which he considers a pet project.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department Shri Satyabrat Sahu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Shri Suresh Pant, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Saswat Mishra.
The new RPRC will be developed over an area of approximately 134 acres at Sanghagra, with the construction work targeted for completion by 2027. The centre will focus on four main areas: biodiversity conservation, serving as a community centre, promoting eco-tourism, and facilitating research and education.
The RPRC is planned to offer both a natural and a thematic garden experience. It will feature dedicated sections for various plant species, including an orchid conservation and exhibition center, a lotus garden, a wild edible fruit garden, a fern garden, and a medicinal plant garden. Additionally, the centre will house collections of roses, bamboo, cactus, and local wild fruits.
The Chief Minister suggested that the area be kept open to tourists and the public throughout the year to maximize its potential as a special tourist destination. Amenities planned for the site include a flower market and a children’s play area. Officials noted that all furniture and construction elements will utilize local stone and wood.
Recognizing the challenges in the region, the Chief Minister directed the district administration to take appropriate measures to address high elephant encroachment. He specifically suggested using deep trenches to prevent human-elephant conflict. Shri Majhi also emphasized the need to ensure an abundant and continuous water flow from the Machukandana River, which runs through the area, to support the new construction.
Keonjhar District Magistrate Shri Vishal Singh and Keonjhar DFO Shri Dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere joined the discussions virtually.