Forest in Odisha
Odisha has a rich diversity of forests that support a wide range of flora and fauna. Forests cover around 40% of the state’s total geographical area and are an integral part of Odisha’s economy, environment and cultural heritage. In this blog post, we will explore the different kinds of forests found in Odisha, the major forest areas, activities of the forest department and more.
Types of Forests in Odisha
Based on tree type and climatic conditions, the forests in Odisha can be categorized into the following types:
- Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests: Found in areas receiving heavy rainfall between 200-300cm. Tree species include Rosewood, Arjun, Kadam etc.
- Tropical Semi-evergreen Forests: In zones receiving 125-200cm rainfall. Sal, Asan, Gambhar etc trees found here.
- Moist Deciduous Forests: Common in parts with 100-125cm rain. Major trees are Sal, Harida, Bahada etc.
- Dry Deciduous Forests: In dry regions with 50-75cm rainfall. Teak, Sal, Kendu, Bamboo etc grow here.
- Mangrove Forests: Coastal salt-tolerant forests near river mouths. Main trees are Mango, Casuarina.
- Tropical Thorny Scrub Forests: Found in dry areas receiving less than 50cm rain annually with thorny bushes.
Major Forest Areas in Odisha
Some of the prominent forest tracts in Odisha with their characteristic features:
Similipal National Park: Oldest biosphere reserve in India. Home to tiger, elephant, Barasingha.
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for wild elephants, sambar deer, sloth bear, barking deer etc.
Bhitarkanika Mangroves: Second largest mangrove eco-system in India with estuarine crocodiles.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary: Rich fauna including tiger, leopard, four-horned antelope, barking deer.
Satkosia Gorge: Headquarters of Oriental white-backed vulture and important wildlife corridor.
Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary: Close to Bhubaneswar with elephant and spotted deer population.
Mahanadi Wildlife Sanctuary: Supports tigers, leopards, mugger crocodile, numerous birds.
Nawana Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to avifauna like white-bellied minivet, bushchat.
North Orissa Elephant Reserve: For protection of free ranging elephant herds.
| Recorded Forest Area | |
| Protected Forest | 24940. 69 sq km |
| Reserved Forest | 36049.25 sq km |
| Unclassed Forest | 214.214 sq km |
| Total | 61204.17 sq km |
| Of State’s Geographical Area | 39. 31% |
List Of Forest In Odisha
| District | Geographical Area of the Districts | Total Forest Cover | % of Total Forest Cover of Geographical Area of the Districts |
| Bhadrak | 2,505 | 75 | 2.99 |
| Puri | 3,479 | 214 | 6.15 |
| Jagatsinghapur | 1,668 | 136 | 8.15 |
| Baleshwar | 3,806 | 380 | 9.98 |
| Jajpur | 2,899 | 303 | 10.45 |
| Kendrapara | 2,644 | 305 | 11.54 |
| Subarnapur | 2,337 | 350 | 14.98 |
| Jharsuguda | 2,114 | 322 | 15.23 |
| Khordha | 2,813 | 457 | 16.25 |
| Balangir | 6,575 | 1,131 | 17.2 |
| Bargarh | 5,837 | 1,031 | 17.66 |
| Cuttack | 3,932 | 796 | 20.24 |
| Nabarangpur | 5,291 | 1,103 | 20.85 |
| Koraput | 8,807 | 2,089 | 23.72 |
| Ganjam | 8,206 | 2,103 | 25.63 |
| Kalahandi | 7,920 | 2,418 | 30.53 |
| Dhenkanal | 4,452 | 1,417 | 31.83 |
| Nuapada | 3,852 | 1,273 | 33.05 |
| Kendujhar | 8,303 | 3,212 | 38.68 |
| Mayurbhanj | 10,418 | 4,080 | 39.16 |
| Malkangiri | 5,791 | 2,342 | 40.44 |
| Boudh | 3,098 | 1,289 | 41.61 |
| Angul | 6,375 | 2,755 | 43.22 |
| Sundergarh | 9,712 | 4,264 | 43.9 |
| Nayagarh | 3,890 | 1,710 | 43.96 |
| Rayagada | 7,073 | 3,126 | 44.2 |
| Sambalpur | 6,624 | 3,280 | 49.52 |
| Debagarh | 2,940 | 1,472 | 50.07 |
| Gajapati | 4,325 | 2,520 | 58.27 |
| Kandhamal | 8,021 | 5,392 | 67.22 |
| Grand total | 1,55,707 | 51,345 | 32.98 |
Odisha Forest Department
The Odisha Forest Department, established in 1866, is responsible for the scientific management and propagation of forests in the state. Its major functions include:
Afforestation & Reforestation: To increase forest cover through social forestry programs.
Biodiversity Conservation: Protection of wildlife habitats, setting up zoos, rescue centers.
Forest Protection: Anti-poaching activities, protection from encroachments, forest fires.
Tribal Welfare: Implementing schemes for livelihood of forest dwellers.
Forest Produce Management: Regeneration of commercial trees like bamboo, sal, collection of NTFPs.
Eco-tourism Development: Promotion of ecotourism in sanctuaries, national parks.
Agroforestry: Cultivation of farm forestry trees like cashew, mango along with crops.
Education & Awareness: Mangrove information centers, nature interpretation centers.