Non-notification of Similipal's ESZ renders it vulnerable to trespass

A fresh controversy surrounding land for a hotel project near Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) has reignited concerns over the long-pending notification of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the protected area.

- SUDARSAN MAHARANA @ Bhubaneswar

Despite threats of habitat loss, sources said, the state government has not been able to secure final notification of the ESZ for Similipal which supports the largest population of elephants as well as tigers in Odisha.

The Similipal and adjacent Hadagarh wildlife sanctuaries and buffer of Similipal Tiger Reserve, located in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, are spread over an area of 2,907 square km.

The Similipal wildlife sanctuary has an area of 2,305 sq km, while STR is spread over 2,750 sq km. The Hadagarh wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 191.60 sq km.