Odisha Assembly Flags Losses in Eco-Tourism, Rising Human-Wildlife Conflicts, and Illegal Constructions
The Winter Session of the Odisha Assembly turned into a heated debate as Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia revealed troubling figures on the state’s eco-tourism projects and wildlife protection efforts.
Responding to demands for new eco-tourism cottages, Khuntia disclosed that only 10 out of 51 existing sites are profitable, while the rest continue to operate at a loss.
Last year, Rs 80 crore was spent on eco-tourism initiatives, with another Rs 80 crore allocated in the current supplementary budget. The minister assured that feasibility studies will be mandatory before approving new projects.
Equally alarming were statistics on human-wildlife conflicts. Over the past decade, 1,396 people and 5,609 wild animals have lost their lives in such incidents. Compensation worth Rs 6,174.68 lakh has been paid to affected families.
To curb these tragedies, the Forest Department has rolled out measures including habitat protection, afforestation of food-bearing trees, creation of grazing grounds and artificial water bodies, fire prevention drives, anti-poaching camps, bird protection initiatives, and deployment of anti-depredation squads alongside public awareness campaigns.
The Assembly also discussed illegal hotel construction along the Baitarani riverbank in Bhitarkanika. Khuntia confirmed that investigations had been conducted and the district administration had halted construction, with further action expected soon.
The session underscored three pressing concerns: financial losses in eco-tourism, escalating human-wildlife conflicts, and biodiversity threats from illegal construction.
The government pledged stricter monitoring, feasibility assessments, and stronger enforcement to safeguard Odisha’s natural resources and public interest.
