THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 3, 2026

Wildlife Week is not merely an occasion to express love for wildlife but an opportunity to strengthen the bond between nature and human beings and renew the commitment towards wildlife conservation, Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said on Saturday.

Speaking at the state-level Wildlife Week celebration at the State Convention Centre here, Singkhuntia said Odisha had achieved several notable milestones in wildlife conservation over the past two years through a scientific approach, modern technology and strong administrative measures, besides the dedicated contribution of forest personnel and local communities.

The celebration showcased the state's conservation efforts and new initiatives in wildlife research, ecological awareness and responsible ecotourism.

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

A major highlight of the event 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.

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

The destinations include Peacock Valley and Nageswar Dam in Chandaka Wildlife Division, sites 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 several upcoming ecotourism projects, including Rajhans in Chilika Wildlife Division, Rani Duduma in Koraput Forest Division, Badmul in Mahanadi Wildlife Division, Pentha in Rajnagar Wildlife Division and new facilities at Nandankanan Zoological Park.

The movie "The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats" was launched at the event, showcasing the rich biological diversity and ecological significance of the Eastern Ghats. "The Intertidal Ecosystem of Bhitarkanika" was also released.

Several 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 various aspects of Odisha's biodiversity, wildlife research, ecotourism potential and satellite telemetry studies of key species.

The celebration also saw the distribution of sanction orders and cheques to people whose houses were completely damaged by wildlife, reaffirming the state's support for communities affected by human-wildlife interactions.

Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF and HoFF K. Murugesan, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, and Additional PCCF (Wildlife) Manoj V. Nair were among those present.

Senior Forest Department officials, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists also attended the programme.