Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved a ₹100-crore ecotourism development project at Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, aimed at creating world-class tourism infrastructure while safeguarding the region’s fragile ecosystem. Official sources said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been cleared, with a total estimated investment of ₹99.75 crore, fully funded by the state government. The project is…
Bhubaneswar: India is set to host the first-ever Global Big Cat Summit in 2026, bringing together representatives from 95 countries to strengthen international cooperation on wildlife conservation. The summit will focus on the protection of big cat species, conservation of their natural habitats, and enhanced global collaboration to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade. It…
Bhubaneswar: Nandankanan Zoological Park in Odisha has reported a worrying spate of animal deaths, with eight animals dying within a span of just eight days, raising concerns among wildlife experts and animal welfare advocates. According to zoo authorities, the deaths include five crocodiles, two white peacocks, and one mouse deer. Preliminary assessments suggest that the…
Bhubaneswar: In a conservation-focused initiative, the Forest Department has installed salt licks across forest areas in Nayagarh to support the health and sustainability of the blackbuck population. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Debarchan Behera said the salt licks are meant to provide essential sodium chloride to wild animals, which is often deficient in their natural diet….
Bhubaneswar: The Central University of Odisha (CUO) and the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in agricultural research, education and extension activities. The agreement aims to promote the exchange of students, scientists and faculty members, along with sharing research methodologies, technologies and scientific…
Bhubaneswar: An unusual case of illegal cattle smuggling was reported from Odisha’s Bhadrak district on Sunday, where traders allegedly used an oil tanker to transport cattle in an attempt to evade detection. According to local sources, residents intercepted the tanker near Barikpur Chhak on National Highway-16 after suspecting illegal activity. The vehicle, originally meant for…
Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, authorities in the national capital have implemented an unconventional yet effective strategy to reduce the risk of bird strikes during aerial rehearsals and the main flypast on January 26. The Indian Air Force (IAF), in coordination with the Delhi Forest Department, is distributing more than 1,270 kilograms of…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will host the three-day Matsya–Pranee Samavesh Odisha (MPSO) 2026 conclave from January 21 to January 23 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, with a focus on strengthening rural livelihoods through fisheries, animal husbandry, and rural entrepreneurship. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the conclave, which is being organised by the Fisheries…
Bhubaneswar: The annual crocodile census at Bhitarkanika National Park has recorded a steady rise in the population of estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles, reaffirming the region’s status as one of the world’s most significant crocodile habitats. According to the latest census report, 1,858 saltwater crocodiles were found this year in rivers and creeks within and around Bhitarkanika,…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has moved to introduce structured guidelines for feeding stray dogs and to earmark designated feeding zones across the city, as concerns over public safety and dog attacks continue to mount. The decision comes a day after the Supreme Court raised questions over accountability in incidents involving stray dogs, prompting…
