Odisha’s Similipal accorded ‘national park’ status

In a landmark move to bolster wildlife conservation efforts, the Odisha government has declared Similipal as a ‘national park’ under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

A notification, issued by the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department, comes after the State expressed its intent through earlier government orders dated August 6, 1980 (No. 18703) and June 11, 1986 (No. 19525).

According to the official notification, all statutory procedures from Sections 19 to 26-A of the Act have been completed, and land-related claims within the notified area have been duly settled. The government confirmed that full rights over the land now vest with the State.

Exercising powers under Section 35(4) of the Act, the State has now notified the specific area as Similipal National Park, effective from the date of publication in Odisha Gazette.

Home to diverse flora and fauna, Similipal is a critical part of the UNESCO-recognised Biosphere Reserve. With this declaration, the area will receive enhanced legal protection, paving the way for stricter conservation and eco-management practices.