Bhubaneswar: In a landmark decision for conservation in eastern India, the Odisha government has officially declared Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district as a National Park. The announcement, made through a formal notification issued by the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, marks a new chapter in the protection of one of India’s richest biodiversity zones.
According to the notification, the declaration comes after all land rights and claims within the notified area were fully resolved and vested with the state. Exercising powers under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the government has formally designated the area as Simlipal National Park, effective from the date of its publication in the Odisha Gazette.
With this move, Simlipal becomes Odisha’s second National Park, following the establishment of Bhitarkanika National Park, known for its mangrove forests and estuarine crocodiles.
A Conservation Legacy
Spread across 2,750 square kilometres, Simlipal is one of India’s largest forested landscapes and a critical part of the Eastern Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Initially declared a tiger reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger, it was later designated a biosphere reserve in 1994, recognising its ecological importance and cultural significance.
The park’s rugged terrain—comprising rolling hills, high plateaus, and deep, forested valleys—is interspersed with stunning waterfalls such as Barehipani and Joranda, making it one of the most scenic wilderness areas in the country.
Simlipal is currently home to 27 Bengal tigers, including a unique population of 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers, whose distinctive dark stripe patterns give them a near-black appearance. These rare tigers are found nowhere else in the world and are believed to be the result of a small gene pool and inbreeding—a challenge that conservationists are closely monitoring.
Biodiversity haven
Beyond tigers, Simlipal supports a rich array of wildlife, including Asian elephants, gaur (Indian bison), leopards, sloth bears, chousingha (four-horned antelope), and more than 300 species of birds. Its varied ecosystems—from moist deciduous forests to open grasslands—provide vital habitat for both flagship and lesser-known species.
The elevation to National Park status is expected to bring stronger legal safeguards, more focused conservation funding, and opportunities to strengthen eco-tourism initiatives in the region. This development also reinforces Odisha’s growing commitment to preserving its natural heritage and supporting biodiversity-based livelihoods for forest-dwelling communities.
As India continues to expand its protected areas network, Simlipal National Park stands as a vital stronghold for wildlife and a symbol of eastern India’s ecological resilience.
