Mayurbhanj: Renowned for its natural beauty, Similipal Sanctuary, the second-largest biosphere reserve in Asia, reopened to tourists on Wednesday after a month-long closure. The sanctuary, home to three villages, had been closed to tourists since November 26 due to protests by residents demanding the fulfilment of their five-point demand. The Simlipal Development Council had urged the closure during the tourism season to address uncertainties. Consequently, the Similipal Tiger Conservation Authority had closed the sanctuary to tourists, emphasising the safety of visitors.
The closure of Similipal Sanctuary resulted in significant revenue loss for the state government over the past month. The protest within the sanctuary by thousands of residents from Astakur, Gudgudia, and Barehipani Gram Panchayats had disrupted the main roads of Joranda Chowk and Bareipani Chowk. Despite discussions with the Forest Department and local representatives, no resolution was reached.
However, on Tuesday, discussions took place on Chahala Street, Similipal Sanctuary, between the Simlipal Development Council and the Simlipal Peace Committee. The meeting included Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, the Jashipur MLA, Sai Kiran, Deputy Director of Simlipal Tiger Conservation Project Northern Division, Jashipur BDO, Tehsildar, Jashipur Police Station Officer, Sarpanchs of three Gram Panchayats, and 3,000 residents. After learning about the ongoing development work on roads and bridges in various locations in response to the demands of rural residents, the Simlipal Development Council decided to withdraw the protest.
This development indicates a positive step forward as construction and repair work commences on roads and bridges according to the demands of the villagers. The reopening of Similipal Sanctuary for tourists not only ensures the continuation of ecological tourism but also serves as a testament to the importance of addressing the concerns of local communities for sustainable coexistence. As the sanctuary resumes its normal operations, it offers a valuable opportunity for tourists to explore and appreciate the biodiversity that makes Similipal a significant biosphere reserve in Asia.