Similipal Officially Accorded As National Park’s Status

Similipal, a unique and ecologically rich region in Odisha, has officially been accorded national park status by the Odisha government. After decades of anticipation, this significant move places Similipal as the 107th national park in India and the second in Odisha, after Bhitarkanika. The formal notification was issued on April 24, 2025, marking an important milestone in the state’s conservation efforts and a major step towards the vision of a developed Odisha.

Key Points

Area and Location

• Similipal National Park now spans 845.70 sq km, divided into 11 ranges across Similipal south and Similipal north divisions.
• The area comprises parts of Pithabata north, Pithabata south, Nawana, Jenabil, Upper Barahkamuda, Bhanjabasa, Barehipani, Chahala, Nawana North, and Talabandha ranges.

Significance in Conservation

• Similipal is Odisha’s largest national park, reinforcing the state’s commitment to ecological preservation.
• This area was originally proposed for national park status in 1980 but has now been granted that status, reflecting decades of effort.
• It hosts a rich biodiversity, including 55 species of mammals, 361 bird species, 62 reptiles, and 21 amphibians, alongside being one of India’s major tiger reserves.

Tribal Communities and Human Habitation

• The national park status required that the area be completely inviolate, free from human habitation and domestic animal movement.
• Six villages (Jamunagada, Kabatghai, Bakua, Barahkamuda, Bahaghar) previously resided within Similipal’s core area. While four villages were successfully relocated, Bakua remains inhabited by about 61 families, which is why it was excluded from the designated national park area.

Historical Context

• Similipal was initially notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1973, later being declared a critical tiger habitat in 2007.
• This national park status is the result of concerted efforts by the Odisha government, forest authorities, and local communities, marking a historic chapter in wildlife conservation.

Impact on Conservation and Development

• With this status, the national park can now enforce stronger protection laws.
• This move will help secure additional funding to bolster wildlife protection measures, particularly for the tiger reserve.
• The status brings national and international attention to Similipal, furthering its importance as a biodiversity hotspot in India.

Political Reactions

• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised this development as an essential step towards “Viksit Odisha” (Developed Odisha) and “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), aligning the decision with Odisha’s broader sustainable development goals.
• Wildlife officials, including PCCF Prem Kumar Jha, emphasized that this declaration strengthens Odisha’s conservation legacy and uplifts the aspirations of local tribal communities.