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Odisha’s Similipal National Park Reopens For Tourists After Month-Long Shutdown

Discover the delicate balance between conservation and community aspirations within this stunning Odisha sanctuary.

by Mallika Khurana
Odisha’s Similipal National Park Reopens For Tourists After Month-Long Shutdown

In the heart of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district lies the picturesque Similipal National Park, a haven of natural beauty that recently emerged from a month-long hibernation forced upon it by local circumstances. This ecological gem, known for its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, found itself veiled from eager visitors due to a decisive bandh, a localized shutdown initiated by the Similipal Bikash Parishad.

Similipal National Park Welcomes Visitors Once Again

The Parishad, a strong supporter of the development of the area, organised this powerful bandh. It was done to advance the implementation of a comprehensive five-point agenda that they deemed important. The demands included improved technology connectivity, employment opportunities, and infrastructure that was more in line with local aspirations. According to Odisha TV reports, they were deeply ingrained in the villages that surrounded the sanctuary.

The gates of Similipal bolted shut, and despite desperate attempts at negotiation, the impasse continued. Before any hope of a resolution appeared, it took the combined efforts of the park authorities and the involvement of local government officials.

These coordinated efforts paid off, as the protest that placed Similipal in temporary seclusion came to an end. Finally, the once-barren roads that crisscrossed the sanctuary opened up to curious tourists and passionate locals alike, allowing them to pass through.

However, in the middle of this story of passionate pleas and ensuing resolutions, a story of unanticipated involvement broke forth. Through the unbreakable barrier set up by the residents, eighteen daring tourists unintentionally became entangled in the sanctuary’s embrace. It was an abrupt turn that covered the placid landscape with a cloud of urgency.

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Shutdown Lifted Following Protest Resolution

When the Jashipur Police made a valiant effort to intervene and become the travellers’ ray of hope, the standoff reached a crescendo. These law enforcement officers triumphed after a tense sixteen-hour wait, ushering the tourists back out of the sanctuary and into the world outside its lush boundaries.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) provided a broad framework for the Similipal Bikash Parishad’s demands. As per Odisha TV reports, these demands also aligned with the goals of development and connectivity. These demands included the placement of mobile towers, the building of essential bridges, and the expansion of job opportunities for the region’s growing youth population.

Even as Similipal reopens to the public, the reverberations of this recent break remain. It is a testament to the fine balance that exists between preservation, community goals, and the never-ending pursuit of progress that meanders through the halls of this natural paradise.

Cover Image Courtesy: Similipal National Park/Website

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First Published: December 27, 2023 6:23 PM