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5d ago

Similipal Declared Odisha's Second National Park, Strengthening Wildlife Protection

The Odisha government has officially notified 845.70 sq km of Similipal as a National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, enhancing safeguards for its rich biodiversity and rare species.

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Overview

  • The Government of Odisha has formally notified Similipal as a National Park under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, effective upon publication in the Odisha Gazette.
  • This designation resolves all land claims within the 845.70 sq km area, now entirely vested with the state, ensuring an inviolate zone for conservation.
  • Similipal, home to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and other rare species, becomes Odisha’s second National Park and India’s 107th.
  • The park’s rich biodiversity includes a unique population of 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers, found nowhere else in the world.
  • The new status is expected to bring stronger legal protections, focused conservation funding, and opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism in the region.