Odisha's Similipal gets National Park status, becomes 107th in India
v zIn a huge conservation effort, the Odisha government has declared Similipal a National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. With this, Similipal has become India's 107th national park, located in Mayurbhanj district. The decision was announced recently, making Similipal also the largest in Odisha, covering an area of 845.70 sq km.
The formal notification was issued by the Odisha Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, exercising powers under Section 35(4) of the Act. This designation follows earlier notifications dated August 6, 1980, and June 11, 1986, in which the state government had expressed its intention to grant
Similipal national park
status.
Celebrating the announcement, the Chief Minister's Office posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a "landmark step towards Viksit Bharat, Viksit Odisha," highlighting its role in strengthening the state's ecological heritage, uplifting tribal communities, and reaffirming commitment to sustainable development.
Similipal, which also hosts the
Similipal Tiger Reserve
(STR)—the largest tiger habitat in Odisha—comprises extensive forest areas from both the Similipal South and North Wildlife Divisions. Known for its rich biodiversity, the region is home to several endangered species including tigers, elephants, and unique flora.
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Under the Wildlife Protection Act, a national park must be designated based on ecological, geomorphological, and natural significance. Such areas are to be entirely protected, free from human habitation and livestock grazing, ensuring a pristine environment for wildlife conservation.
Prior to this declaration, Odisha had only one national park—Bhitarkanika, home to India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans. Bhitarkanika was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and later declared a national park in 1998.
The recognition of Similipal as a national park is a significant milestone in India's conservation efforts. It aims to enhance biodiversity protection, preserve indigenous tribal heritage, and promote eco-tourism in the region.
With this development, Odisha now joins other Indian states with multiple national parks, reinforcing its role in the country's broader ecological conservation narrative.
About Similipal
The park comprises dense sal forests, rolling meadows, waterfalls, and numerous rivers, offering a diverse ecological landscape. It includes parts of the Similipal North and South Wildlife Divisions and plays a vital role in preserving Eastern India's unique wildlife heritage.
Beyond ecological value, Similipal holds cultural significance for indigenous tribes living in its buffer zones. With its national park status, the area now receives greater protection, helping conserve its fragile ecosystem and promote eco-tourism sustainably.
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