SIMILIPAL TIGER RESERVE NOTIFIED AS NATIONAL PARK
April 27, 2025
ENVIRONMENT
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UPSC Relevance
- GS-3: Environment (biodiversity conservation, protected areas)
- GS-2: Governance (Wildlife Protection Act, state policies)
Key Points
- Odisha designated 845.70 sq km of the 2,750 sq km Similipal Tiger Reserve as a National Park, making it the state’s largest, surpassing Bhitarkanika.
- It is India’s 107th National Park and Odisha’s second, after Bhitarkanika.
Detailed Insights
- Located in Mayurbhanj district, Similipal is also a Wildlife Sanctuary, Tiger Reserve (under Project Tiger), Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme, 2009), and part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.
- Features diverse ecosystems, including moist mixed deciduous, tropical semi-evergreen, dry deciduous forests (e.g., Sal trees), and grasslands.
- Wildlife includes tigers (including melanistic ones), fishing cats, barking deer, and mouse deer.
- National Parks, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, prohibit human activity except as permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden, though certain tribal groups may reside under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Significance
- Strengthens conservation efforts for Similipal’s unique biodiversity.
- Enhances Odisha’s ecological tourism potential.
Analysis & Way Forward
- Effective management and community involvement are crucial for conservation success.
- Balancing tribal rights with ecological protection is essential.
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