Bhubaneswar: In a move to strengthen technology-driven forest governance, the Odisha government on Tuesday inaugurated the Integrated Forest Monitoring & Command Centre (IFMCC), a digital platform that will enable real-time monitoring of forests, improve wildlife protection and support faster decision-making in conservation and disaster management.
Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia inaugurated the facility at Aranya Bhawan, describing it as a major step towards modernising forest administration through advanced digital technologies.
The command centre brings together satellite-based monitoring, Geographic Information System (GIS) analytics, real-time field data and decision support systems to facilitate timely interventions for forest conservation, wildlife management and emergency response. Officials said the initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency, inter-departmental coordination and transparency in forest governance.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the adoption of modern technology would significantly improve the management of Odisha’s forest resources while ensuring greater accountability and sustainability in conservation efforts.
The programme also featured demonstrations of several digital initiatives, including the Compensatory Afforestation (CA) Land Bank, the IFMCC Dashboard and Version II of the Odisha Forest Management System (OFMS). Officials further held discussions on the proposed Eco-restoration Policy and the Wood-Based Industries Rules.
The Minister also launched the revamped website of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS) and released two publications—the souvenir of the 14th National Workshop of JICA-Assisted Forestry Projects in India and the Annual Report of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (Phase II) for 2025–26, documenting the project’s achievements and best practices in sustainable forestry.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr K. Murugesan, PCCF (KL) Uma Nanduri, Chief Project Director of OFSDP G. Rajesh, Conservator of Forests (IT & GIS) V. Karthick, Special Secretary Swayam Mallick, Director (Environment)-cum-Special Secretary K.S. Pradeep and other senior officials attended the inaugural programme.
