The Odisha government on Saturday rolled out the CM-GROW programme aimed at promoting research and strengthening the scientific foundation of wildlife conservation in the state.
The programme was inaugurated by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia while attending the as state-level Wildlife Week ceremony as the chief guest.
Wildlife Week is observed nationwide annually from October 2 to 8, with an emphasis on reinforcing wildlife conservation, research, environmental awareness, and sustainable ecotourism across Odisha.
Under the Chief Minister’s Grant for Research on Odisha’s Wildlife (CM-GROW) programme, Singkhuntia said that an additional 300 AI-powered and regular surveillance cameras will be installed in Mayurbhanj district’s Similipal Tiger Reserve to monitor poaching and study animal behaviour in the wild.
“Currently, 300 cameras are fitted across Similipal, and 300 more will be set up shortly,” he noted.
Addressing the gathering at the event, the minister remarked that Wildlife Week serves as more than just a celebration of wildlife affection; it provides a platform to deepen human connection with nature and reaffirm the commitment towards wildlife conservation.
“During the last two years, Odisha has recorded major successes in wildlife conservation. These achievements have been fuelled by a scientific approach, modern technology, strong administrative measures, and, above all, the dedicated contribution of forest personnel and local communities,” he stated.
As part of the 72nd State Level Wildlife Week Celebration, 2026, Hon’ble Minister, Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Labour & Employees’ State Insurance, Odisha, Sri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, and other dignitaries present on the dais were felicitated, marking the occasion with… pic.twitter.com/FA0KwBXkHR
— PCCF WL & CWLW, Odisha (@PCCFWL_Odisha) October 3, 2026
A documentary showcasing the achievements of the state’s wildlife wing along with a visual presentation of wildlife awareness programs held state-wide during the week were presented at the event.
The ceremony also featured the release of commemorative coloured postcards and special covers, alongside the online inauguration of several day-visit ecotourism spots across the state.
The newly opened locations include Peacock Valley and Nageswar Dam in the Chandaka Wildlife Division, sites in the Similipal North Wildlife Division, Karakhol in the Chilika Wildlife Division, Sambalpur Zoo, and enhanced visitor facilities in the Hirakud Wildlife Division.
Foundation stones were laid virtually for several upcoming ecotourism initiatives upcoming ecotourism projects, including Rajhans in the Chilika Wildlife Division, Rani Duduma in the Koraput Forest Division, Badmul in the Mahanadi Wildlife Division, Pentha in the Rajnagar Wildlife Division, and new amenities at Nandankanan Zoological Park.
A movie titled ‘The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats’ was also premiered during the programme, highlighting the biological diversity and ecological significance of the Eastern Ghats.
The celebration concluded with the handing over of compensation sanction orders and cheques to victims whose homes were fully destroyed in human-wildlife encounters, underlining the state’s ongoing support for communities impacted by human-wildlife conflict.
