Bhubaneswar: The State Level Wildlife Week-2026 was celebrated at the State Convention Centre of Loka Seva Bhawan here on Saturday, with a focus on strengthening wildlife conservation, research, ecological awareness and responsible ecotourism in Odisha.
Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia graced the occasion as the chief guest. “Wildlife Week is not merely an occasion to express our love for wildlife, but also an opportunity to strengthen the deep bond between nature and human beings and to renew our commitment towards wildlife conservation. Over the past two years, Odisha has achieved several notable milestones in the field of wildlife conservation. These achievements have been driven by a scientific approach, modern technology, strong administrative measures, and, above all, the dedicated contribution of forest personnel and local communities,” said the Minister.
An achievement video highlighting the work of the Wildlife Wing and a visual presentation on the week-long wildlife awareness activities undertaken across the state were screened at the event.
A major highlight of the celebration was the launch of CM-GROW (Chief Minister’s Grant for Research on Odisha’s Wildlife), aimed at promoting research and strengthening the scientific foundation of wildlife conservation in Odisha.
The programme also witnessed the release of coloured postcards and special covers, along with the online inauguration of several day-visit ecotourism destinations across the state, including Peacock Valley and Nageswar Dam in Chandaka Wildlife Division, destinations 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 a number of upcoming ecotourism initiatives, 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.
A movie titled ‘The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats’ was launched during the programme, highlighting the rich biological diversity and ecological significance of the Eastern Ghats. The event also featured the release of ‘The Intertidal Ecosystem of Bhitarkanika’.
Several important publications and technical documents were released at the event. These include ‘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’. These publications document Odisha’s biodiversity, wildlife research, ecotourism potential and satellite telemetry studies of key species.
The celebration also included the distribution of sanction orders and cheques to victims whose houses were completely damaged by wildlife, reaffirming the state’s commitment towards supporting people affected by human-wildlife interactions.
The ceremony was attended by Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department; Dr. K. Murugesan, PCCF and HoFF; Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden; Dr. Manoj V. Nair, Additional PCCF (Wildlife) along with senior officials of the Forest Department, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists.
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