Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to ecological preservation, scientific research, and sustainable development, the Government of Odisha celebrated the State-Level Wildlife Week 2026 with grand fervour at the State Convention Centre, Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
The event brought together conservationists, researchers, forest administrators, and nature enthusiasts to reflect on achievements and launch a series of forward-looking wildlife initiatives.
The flagship event was graced by Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, Hon’ble Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, and Labour & Employees’ State Insurance, who attended as the Chief Guest.
A Call for Deeper Human-Nature Harmony
Inaugurating the ceremony, Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia highlighted that Wildlife Week serves as a vital bridge to reinforce the deep-rooted bond between society and nature.
“Wildlife Week is not merely an occasion to express our love for wildlife, but also an opportunity to strengthen the deep bond between nature and human beings and to renew our commitment towards wildlife conservation,” stated the Hon’ble Minister.
He emphasised that Odisha’s conservation successes over the past two years have been driven by a scientific framework, cutting-edge technology, firm administrative resolve, and the untiring efforts of frontline forest personnel working in tandem with local communities.
Attendees were treated to a special achievement video detailing the recent endeavours of the Wildlife Wing, along with a visual presentation mapping the week-long awareness drives conducted across all districts of the State.
Launch of CM-GROW & New Ecotourism Destinations
A primary highlight of the celebration was the official launch of CM-GROW (Chief Minister’s Grant for Research on Odisha’s Wildlife). Designed to build a robust scientific foundation for conservation planning, CM-GROW aims to empower researchers and academic institutions studying the state’s unique ecosystems.
To encourage responsible nature tourism and community livelihoods, several day-visit ecotourism destinations were inaugurated virtually:
-
Peacock Valley & Nageswar Dam (Chandaka Wildlife Division)
-
New Ecotourism Destinations (Similipal North Wildlife Division)
-
Karakhol (Chilika Wildlife Division)
-
Sambalpur Zoo & Visitor Amenities (Hirakud Wildlife Division)
Furthermore, foundation stones were laid virtually for upcoming ecotourism and infrastructure projects, including Rajhans in Chilika, Rani Duduma in Koraput, Badmul in Mahanadi, Pentha in Rajnagar, and modernised visitor amenities at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
Groundbreaking Publications & Documentary Launches
The celebration also showcased Odisha’s rich natural history through cinema, research documents, and philately. Coloured postcards and special commemorative covers were released to mark the event.
The gathering witnessed the screening and launch of two landmark visual and ecological projects:
-
“The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats” — A documentary spotlighting the ecological importance and rich flora and fauna of the Eastern Ghats.
-
“The Intertidal Ecosystem of Bhitarkanika” — An in-depth exploration of the unique mangrove and coastal tidal zones of Bhitarkanika National Park.
A series of technical literature and field publications were formally released:
-
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
-
Two Flamingos Two Journeys
These publications document species distribution, orchid taxonomy, eco-camp circuits, and insights gained from satellite telemetry studies tracking marine and migratory wildlife.
Compassionate Governance: Supporting Conflict Victims
Underlining the State’s compassionate approach toward human-wildlife coexistence, sanction orders and compensation cheques were distributed directly to victims whose homes were damaged during human-wildlife encounters. This initiative reasserts Odisha’s priority to protect grassroots communities while conserving megafauna.
The event was attended by senior dignitaries including Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma (Principal Secretary, FE&CC Dept), Dr K. Murugesan (PCCF & HoFF), Shri Prem Kumar Jha (PCCF Wildlife & Chief Wildlife Warden), and Dr Manoj V. Nair (Additional PCCF Wildlife), alongside forest officers and environmental activists.
