Odisha To Set Up Exclusive Melanistic Tiger Safari In Mayurbhanj: CM Naveen Patnaik
The Melanistic Tiger Safari in Odisha is expected to receive impressive footfall of visitors. Further, it would be an added attraction for visitors coming to Similipal Tiger Reserve.
New Delhi: The Odisha Government is set to establish the first-of-its-kind melanistic tiger safari, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced on Wednesday. The safari will be established near Similipal Tiger Reserve in the Mayurbhanj District. Taking to social media platform X, Odisha CM posted, "Glad to announce that Odisha is setting up an exclusive Melanistic Tiger Safari near Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj. Tourists and visitors can now have a glimpse of the rare and majestic species found only in Odisha."
Glad to announce that #Odisha is setting up an exclusive Melanistic Tiger Safari near Similipal Tiger Reserve in #Mayurbhanj. Tourists and visitors can now have a glimpse of the rare and majestic species found only in Odisha. pic.twitter.com/h3g2ep8tui
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 24, 2024
As per news agency PTI, 200 Ha area adjoining NH- 18 has been identified for this purpose. About 100 Ha will be displayed area and the balance area shall be utilised for the creation of veterinary care facilities including a rescue center, staff infrastructure, and visitors amenities.
The site is located at about 15 km distance from Similipal Tiger Reserve matching the same landscape. Similipal Tiger Reserve is the only home for melanistic tigers in the wild in the world.
"The site is expected to receive impressive footfall of visitors. Further, it would be an added attraction for visitors coming to Similipal Tiger Reserve," the Odisha government stated.
Odisha Chief Minister @Naveen_Odisha has announced that the state will set up an exclusive melanistic tiger safari, the first of its kind in the world, near Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj. “Tourists and visitors can now have a glimpse of the rare and majestic species… pic.twitter.com/D5hQWgwyUG
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2024
As per the last All India Tiger Estimation Report published by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2018, melanistic tigers have been found in the wild only in Similipal Tiger Reserve.
"Surplus tigers from Nandankanan Zoo and rescued/orphaned tigers who are not fit for wild but fit for display shall be housed in the safari in an open enclosure. The safari is set to elevate the wildlife tourism sector in Odisha to new heights. This pioneering attraction shall highlight the state's commitment to preservation and showcasing its unique biodiversity," the government release mentioned.
The Odisha government expects the initiative to allow conservationists, researchers enthusiasts, and the general public to witness the rare beauty of these majestic creatures up close while raising awareness about their conservation needs.
The proposal in this respect submitted by the Odisha Government to NTCA has been accorded "in-principle" approval by the Technical Committee of NTCA. A committee to be constituted by NTCA shall visit the site for a feasibility study before giving a final nod by the Authority. Other statutory clearance including CZA approval, shall follow, the government stated.
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