Odisha is home to hidden gems and unexplored natural treasures. Apart from beaches, the iconic Jagannath Temple, and some touristy places, the state has many unknown alluring places to explore. In a recent development, the famous Gupteswar Forest has been declared the fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) of Odisha. Far away from the crowd, it is a spectacular place to visit.
Gupteswar Forest Is One Of Odisha’s Biodiversity Heritage Sites
Taking to the X (formerly Twitter) platform, Manas Muduli🇮🇳 (@manas_muduli) shared a picture of a newspaper stating about the grand news.
Gupteswar Forest, adjacent to Gupteswara Temple in Koraput, is declared as the 4th Biodiversity Heritage site of Odisha.
Other 3 sites are – Mandasaru, Mahendragiri and Gandhamardan Hills. pic.twitter.com/T4tP6i3RKi
— Manas Muduli🇮🇳 (@manas_muduli) February 13, 2024
Nestled in the Dhondrakhol Reserve Forest, the Gupteswar Forest has recently been declared a BHS, as stated according to a government notification issued by the state. This forest falls under the Jeypore Forest Division as well. The forest making headlines is located very close to the Gupteswar Shiva temple in the Koraput district.
In a press release, the Chief Secretary’s Office stated that declaring Gupteswar Forest as a Biodiversity Heritage Site will contribute to conserving the rich biodiversity. Along with the Kandhamal district’s Mandasaru BHS, Gajapati district’s Mahendragiri BHS, and Bargarh and Bolangir district’s Gandhamardan BHS, Koraput district’s Gupteswar Forest becomes the 4th BHS in the state.
Adivasi Rabindra Nath Nayak (@rabindra_1988) took to the X (formerly Twitter) platform to share a picture of exploring this forest.
On a Lonely road to Gupteswar I asked this man if he was not feeling alone ! He said that he was guarding his Cashew plantation and was happy moving around in the beauty of nature . He also expressed concern over declining level of forest cover . @dfo_jeypore @susantananda3 pic.twitter.com/5NLViURTUC
— Adivasi Rabindra Nath Nayak (@rabindra_1988) April 6, 2022
The Odisha government discussed with the Odisha Biodiversity Board and asked to work on a long-term plan to conserve and develop the sites properly, according to a report by Telegraph India. The government mentioned preparing the plan with local communities participating directly in the conservation process of the place spread over a huge demarcated area of 350 hectares.
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Here’s You Need To Explore This Destination
Odisha Biodiversity Board (@Obb_odisha) shared some pictures of conducting research and documentation in the forest.
Odisha Biodiversity Board is conducting it’s research and documentation on the Biodiversity & Socio-economic status of Gupteswar Reserve forest of Koraput district which was proposed to be declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site under Section 37 of Biological diversity act, 2002 pic.twitter.com/kXv40mgqnb
— Odisha Biodiversity Board (@Obb_odisha) March 31, 2022
Surrounded by thick blankets of lush greenery, Gupteswar forest is an extraordinary place nestled right on nature’s lap. As per an Odisha Biodiversity Board survey, it is home to over 600 species of diverse animals, birds, and more. There are 28 mammal species, 18 amphibian species, 188 bird species, 141 butterfly species, 30 spider spiders, 48 reptile species, and more, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
Along with a rich flora and fauna biodiversity, there is the Gupteswar Temple perfect for a spiritual journey. Also, there is the majestic Limestone cave to witness.
Also read: Odisha’s Similipal National Park Reopens For Tourists After Month-Long Shutdown
Are you adding Gupteswar Forest to your Odisha itinerary?
Cover Image Courtesy: X (formerly Twitter)/ Odisha Biodiversity Board (@Obb_odisha)
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