Mayurbhanj (Odisha) [India], April 25 (ANI): In a major boost to India’s conservation efforts, Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve has officially been declared a national park, becoming the second in the state after Bhitarkanika and the 107th in the country.
Renowned for its lush biodiversity and iconic wildlife—including Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaur, and the rare Chausingha—Similipal’s upgraded status marks a significant milestone for the region’s environmental legacy.
“Similipal has been officially declared as a National Park today, marking a landmark achievement in Odisha’s conservation efforts and reaffirming the state’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and natural heritage,” announced the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department of Odisha on X.
Deputy Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, Samrat Gouda, expressed joy over the development, highlighting the success of ongoing efforts to restore the park’s ecosystem. “We’re delighted to share that the Odisha government has declared Similipal as a national park. Our long-standing efforts to revive Similipal have paid off, with a notable increase in tiger numbers,” he told ANI.
Gouda noted that the core zone, spanning approximately 845 square kilometers, has been designated as the national park area. “We will continue to manage it in accordance with conservation rules and protocols, and this recognition marks a major milestone for the Similipal Tiger Reserve,” he added.
Similipal has held global environmental significance since it was inducted into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009. The park already draws eco-tourists through safaris and nature camps, and officials anticipate that its elevation to national park status will significantly boost tourism.
This move is expected to invigorate the local economy, generate employment, and enhance conservation funding, while further safeguarding the unique ecosystems and rare species that call Similipal home.
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