Similipal gets national park tag

Keonjhar: Similipal in Mayurbhanj district on Thursday was designated as a national park. It becomes the second national park in the state after Bhitarkanika and 107th in the country, announced forest minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia.

The state govt issued the notification after completing all necessary procedures like completing relocation of villages from core and buffer zones, providing compensation to residents and addressed the rights of local forest dwellers. This systematic approach has paved the way for enhanced conservation efforts while ensuring welfare of affected communities.

"This landmark declaration will attract both domestic and international tourists while ensuring better protection of wildlife and forests," the minister told TOI during his visit to Keonjhar. He said the park would now be eligible for special funding from the Union govt.

The newly-designated national park covers 845.7 sq km of the total 2,750 sq km Similipal reserve forest. It is administratively divided into two divisions — Similipal south wildlife division and Similipal north wildlife division.

The south division comprises seven ranges. These are Pithabata North, Pithabata South, Nawana South, Jenabil, National Park, UBK, and Bhanjabasa wildlife ranges. The north division includes four ranges. These are Barrehipani, Chahala, Nawana North, and Talabandh wildlife ranges.

The elevation to national park status is expected to boost regional development while strengthening environmental protection measures in this ecologically significant area.