Bhubaneswar: Odisha marked State Level Wildlife Week 2026 with a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation, research, ecological awareness and responsible ecotourism in the state.
The celebration was held at the State Convention Centre, Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, with Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia as the chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Singkhuntia said Wildlife Week was an opportunity not only to express appreciation for wildlife but also to strengthen the relationship between people and nature and renew the commitment to wildlife conservation.
He said Odisha had achieved several milestones in wildlife conservation over the past two years, driven by scientific approaches, modern technology, administrative measures and the contribution of forest personnel and local communities.
A major highlight of the programme 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.
An achievement video showcasing the work of the Wildlife Wing and a presentation on wildlife awareness activities conducted across Odisha during the week were also screened.
The programme also saw the release of coloured postcards and special covers, along with the online inauguration of several day-visit ecotourism destinations.
These included 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 upcoming ecotourism projects at Rajhans in Chilika Wildlife Division, Rani Duduma in Koraput Forest Division, Badmul in Mahanadi Wildlife Division and Pentha in Rajnagar Wildlife Division. New facilities at Nandankanan Zoological Park were also included among the upcoming initiatives.
The movie “The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats” was launched at the event, highlighting the biodiversity 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 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 people whose houses were completely damaged by wildlife.
The event was attended by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF and HoFF K. Murugesan, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, Additional PCCF (Wildlife) Manoj V. Nair, senior Forest Department officials, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists
