Similipal in Odisha Receives National Park Status
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Synopsis
On April 24, the Odisha government announced the official designation of Similipal in Mayurbhanj district as a National Park, marking a significant step in wildlife conservation under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Key Takeaways
- Similipal is the 107th National Park in India.
- Covers an area of 845.70 sq km, making it the largest in Odisha.
- Enhances ecological heritage and supports tribal aspirations.
- Declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Similipal Tiger Reserve is the largest tiger habitat in Odisha.
Bhubaneswar, April 24 (NationPress) In a noteworthy advancement, the Odisha government has officially announced the designation of Similipal in Mayurbhanj district as a National Park, in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
“A milestone achievement towards Viksit Bharat, Viksit Odisha! Similipal is now recognized as a National Park - the 107th in India and the largest in Odisha at 845.70 sq km. This long-anticipated declaration enhances our ecological heritage, supports tribal aspirations, and reinforces Odisha’s dedication to sustainable development,” stated the Chief Minister’s Office on its ‘X’ account.
As per a notification from the Odisha Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, this declaration is made under the powers conferred by Section 35(4) of the Act.
This follows earlier notifications from the government on August 6, 1980 (No. 18703) and June 11, 1986 (No. 19525), where the state government had signaled its intention to classify the area as a National Park.
The Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is Odisha’s premier tiger habitat. Importantly, the Similipal National Park encompasses a significant portion of forest from the Similipal South Wildlife Division as well as parts of the Similipal North Wildlife Division.
Under the 1972 Wildlife (Protection) Act, the State Government is empowered to establish National Parks in areas recognized for their ecological, geomorphological, and natural importance. The criteria set forth by the central government stipulate that a region granted national park status must be entirely inviolate, devoid of human habitation, and free from livestock grazing.
It is noteworthy that Bhitarkanika, India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sunderbans, was previously the only national park in Odisha.
Initially designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975, it was proclaimed a national park by the Odisha government in September 1998.
The primary aim of a national park is to protect the natural environment of the designated area while ensuring the conservation of biodiversity.
