Odisha Unveils CM-GROW Initiative to Boost Wildlife Conservation Efforts

The Odisha government has launched the CM-GROW programme to enhance wildlife conservation efforts through research and technology. Announced during the Wildlife Week celebrations, this initiative includes the installation of additional surveillance cameras in the Similipal Tiger Reserve to monitor poaching and animal behavior. The event also featured the inauguration of new ecotourism destinations and the release of a film highlighting the biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen the bond between humans and nature while supporting communities affected by wildlife interactions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 3, 2026, 22:20 IST

Launch of CM-GROW Programme

Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, the Odisha government introduced the CM-GROW initiative aimed at enhancing research and fortifying the scientific basis for wildlife conservation within the state.

The initiative was inaugurated by Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, the Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, during the state-level Wildlife Week celebrations where he served as the chief guest.

Wildlife Week is celebrated nationwide from October 2 to 8 each year, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation, research, ecological awareness, and responsible ecotourism.

As part of the Chief Minister's Grant for Research on Odisha's Wildlife (CM-GROW), Singkhuntia announced the installation of an additional 300 AI-enabled and standard surveillance cameras in the Similipal Tiger Reserve located in Mayurbhanj district to monitor poaching activities and observe animal behavior.

Currently, there are 300 cameras operational in Similipal, with plans for another 300 to be added shortly.

During his address, the minister emphasized that Wildlife Week serves not only as a time to celebrate wildlife but also as a chance to strengthen the connection between humans and nature, renewing the commitment to wildlife conservation.

Odisha has made significant strides in wildlife conservation over the past two years, thanks to a scientific approach, modern technology, effective administrative measures, and the unwavering dedication of forest personnel and local communities.

The event featured a video showcasing the achievements of the wildlife division and a presentation on wildlife awareness initiatives conducted throughout the state during the week.

Additionally, the programme included the launch of colored postcards and special covers, along with the online inauguration of various day-visit ecotourism sites across the state.

These sites included Peacock Valley and Nageswar Dam in the Chandaka Wildlife Division, locations in the Similipal North Wildlife Division, Karakhol in the Chilika Wildlife Division, Sambalpur Zoo, and visitor facilities in the Hirakud Wildlife Division.

Foundation stones were also laid virtually for several upcoming ecotourism projects, including Rajhans in the Chilika Wildlife Division, Rani Duduma in the Koraput Forest Division, Badmul in the Mahanadi Wildlife Division, Pentha in the Rajnagar Wildlife Division, and new amenities at Nandankanan Zoological Park.

A film titled 'The Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats' was premiered during the event, highlighting the ecological significance and biological diversity of the Eastern Ghats.

The celebration also included the distribution of sanction orders and cheques to individuals whose homes were severely damaged by wildlife, reaffirming the state's commitment to supporting those affected by human-wildlife conflicts.