image credits: susanta nanda
Odisha’s Similipal, a cherished ecological treasure in the Mayurbhanj district, is on the verge of being officially designated as a National Park. This long-anticipated recognition highlights Odisha’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity. Similipal’s elevation to National Park status is a moment of immense pride and a testament to its progressive conservation efforts.
The Majesty of Similipal Tiger Reserve
Spanning an expansive 2,750 square kilometers, Similipal is a sanctuary of unparalleled natural beauty and ecological significance. Located in the northern reaches of Odisha, it is cradled by the Eastern Ghats and features a diverse terrain of dense forests, undulating hills, and picturesque valleys. The reserve is home to iconic waterfalls such as Barehipani, which plunges 399 meters making it Odisha’s tallest, and Joranda, cascading from 181 meters, offering serene vistas that captivate all who visit. Similipal’s floral diversity is equally remarkable, with 1,076 species of flowering plants, including 96 varieties of orchids, thriving amidst tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.
The fauna of Similipal is a living testament to its ecological richness. It harbours the rare Melanistic tiger, a unique variant exclusive to this region, alongside a robust population of Bengal tigers (27 as per recent estimates) making it Odisha’s largest tiger habitat. Other notable residents include Asian elephants, gaurs, leopards, and the four-horned antelope, complemented by 304 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles, and a thriving population of butterflies. This biodiversity, coupled with the presence of tribal communities like the Khadia, Mankidia, and Lodha, who have coexisted with the forest for generations.
A Journey to National Park Status
Transition of Odisha’s Similipal to National Park status has been a gradual yet determined process. Already recognized as a Tiger Reserve since 1956 under Project Tiger and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO since 2009. However, unlike Bhitarkanika, Odisha’s only officially designated National Park until now, Similipal’s full potential as a National Park has remained untapped due to administrative and logistical challenges, including the presence of villages within its boundaries. The Odisha government is now finalizing a formal notification, expected shortly, to grant Similipal this prestigious status under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
This designation will bolster conservation efforts with enhanced legal protections, increased funding, and stricter regulations on activities like poaching and unsustainable tourism. Recent incidents, such as a gunfight between forest officials and poachers in the reserve’s southern division on March 25, 2025, highlight the ongoing threats Similipal faces. The new status will empower authorities to intensify measures like the use of AI-powered cameras and sniffer dogs, already deployed to curb wildlife crimes, ensuring a safer habitat for its inhabitants.
A Balanced Vision of Conservation and Community Protection
Odisha’s approach to Similipal’s development reflects a thoughtful balance between ecological preservation and human welfare. The 10-year Tiger Conservation Plan (2023-33) outlines ambitious goals, including habitat expansion through village relocation programs executed with respect for tribal rights. Over 900 families have been rehabilitated in phases, with initiatives ensuring access to livelihoods and basic amenities outside the core zone. On March 3, 2025, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced Rs 50 crore for Similipal’s development, alongside 53 projects worth Rs 372 crore for the Karanjia sub-division.
The state’s innovative conservation strategies also include habitat management, such as planting bamboo grass to support elephant populations and creating firebreaks to prevent forest fires. These efforts are complemented by community engagement, with local Eco-Development Committees managing tourism facilities like canteens.
Similipal: A Symbol of Odisha’s Pride
Similipal’s impending National Park status is a profound symbol of Odisha’s identity. Beyond its ecological value, Similipal embodies the spirit of a people who have nurtured their land through centuries. The park’s reopening to tourists on March 24, 2025, after a two-day closure due to heavy rainfall, welcomed visitors to explore its wonders through jungle safaris and overnight stays at nature camps in Kumari, Gurguria, Jamuani, and Ramatirtha.
