Odisha Launches Wildlife Research Grant, Opens New Ecotourism Destinations

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has launched a dedicated grant to promote research on its wildlife and strengthen the scientific basis of conservation, alongside opening several new day-visit ecotourism destinations across the State.

The initiatives were announced at the State Level Wildlife Week Celebration 2026, held at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, in Bhubaneswar. Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia attended the programme as the chief guest.

A major highlight was the launch of CM-GROW (Chief Minister’s Grant for Research on Odisha’s Wildlife), aimed at encouraging wildlife research and strengthening conservation efforts through scientific studies.

Addressing the gathering, Singkhuntia said Wildlife Week was an opportunity to renew the bond between nature and human beings and reaffirm the commitment to wildlife conservation. He noted that Odisha had achieved several milestones in wildlife conservation over the past two years, supported by scientific approaches, modern technology, administrative measures and the contributions of forest personnel and local communities.

Several ecotourism destinations were inaugurated online during the programme. These include Peacock Valley and Nageswar Dam in Chandaka Wildlife Division, destinations in Similipal North Wildlife Division, Karakhol in Chilika Wildlife Division, Sambalpur Zoo and visitor amenities in Hirakud Wildlife Division.

Foundation stones were also laid virtually for upcoming ecotourism initiatives at Rajhans in Chilika Wildlife Division, Rani Duduma in Koraput Forest Division, Badmul in Mahanadi Wildlife Division and Pentha in Rajnagar Wildlife Division, along with new facilities at Nandankanan Zoological Park.

The programme saw the release of coloured postcards and special covers, as well as two films highlighting Odisha’s biodiversity. “The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats” showcases the ecological significance of the region, while “The Intertidal Ecosystem of Bhitarkanika” focuses on the coastal ecosystem.

A number of publications and technical documents were also released, including 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 and Two Flamingos Two Journeys. The publications document the State’s biodiversity, wildlife research, ecotourism potential and satellite telemetry studies of key species.

An achievement video on the work of the Wildlife Wing and a presentation on wildlife awareness activities conducted across Odisha during the week were screened at the event.

The celebration also included the distribution of sanction orders and cheques to people whose houses were completely damaged by wildlife, reaffirming the State’s support for those affected by human-wildlife interactions.

The programme was attended by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF and HoFF Dr K. Murugesan, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, Additional PCCF (Wildlife) Dr Manoj V. Nair, senior Forest Department officials, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists.