Bhubaneswar, 03 October (H.S.): Odisha celebrated the State-Level Wildlife Week 2026 at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, with a focus on strengthening wildlife conservation, research, ecological awareness and responsible ecotourism across the state.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia attended the programme as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, the Minister said Wildlife Week was not merely an occasion to express appreciation for wildlife but also an opportunity to reinforce the relationship between nature and human beings and renew the collective commitment to wildlife conservation.

He said Odisha had achieved several significant milestones in wildlife conservation over the past two years. These achievements, he said, were supported by scientific approaches, modern technology, administrative measures and the dedicated efforts of forest personnel and local communities.

An achievement video showcasing the work of the Wildlife Wing and a visual presentation on wildlife awareness activities conducted across the state during the week were screened at the event.

A key 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 wildlife research and strengthening the scientific foundation of conservation efforts in the state.

The programme also featured the release of coloured postcards and special covers. Several day-visit ecotourism destinations were inaugurated online, 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 facilities in Hirakud Wildlife Division.

Virtual foundation stones were also laid for upcoming ecotourism projects at 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.

The programme witnessed the launch of the film “The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats,” highlighting the rich biological diversity and ecological significance of the Eastern Ghats. A publication titled “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.

Sanction orders and cheques were also distributed to people whose houses were completely damaged by wildlife, reaffirming the state government’s support for communities affected by human-wildlife interactions.

Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma; PCCF and HoFF Dr. K. Murugesan; PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha; Additional PCCF (Wildlife) Dr. Manoj V. Nair; and senior Forest Department officials, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists attended the programme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda