In recent developments, Odisha has come up with strong actions towards raising the scope for ecotourism in the state as interest in sustainable travel rises worldwide. Targeted eco-development projects are expected to significantly improve two of its most significant natural destinations: Chilika Lake and the Nandankanan Zoological Park, which is close to Bhubaneswar. In addition to upholding biodiversity, the government's plan also emphasises on enhancing low-impact visitor infrastructure and engaging more and more local population.
Spread over 400 hectares within the Chandaka Forest, the Nandankanan Zoological Park is known for its various conservation programmes, especially the ones around white tigers and pangolins. The newly introduced ecotourism blueprint for the park involves setting up low-impact tourist amenities, entailing eco-cottages, improved walking trails and interpretation centres in order to create awareness of the need for wildlife conservation. The state plans to roll out these changes in a carefully crafted phase that would minimise ecological disruption and uphold the park's integrity as a biodiversity hotspot.
It has been confirmed by the officials of the Forest and Environment Department that none of these constructions will directly impede the environment norms. The intention behind the implementation is to offer meaningful nature-based experiences without commercial overreach. Facilities like forest watchtowers and canopy walkways are also being considered towards the enhancement of wildlife observation while keeping the human presence at its most minimal.
Asia's largest coastal lagoon, Chilika, is a globally recognised wetland under the Ramsar Convention. Home to hundreds of migratory bird species and the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, Chilika is central to Odisha's ecological identity. Under the new strategies around ecotourism, the focus will be on fairly well distributed tourism models that will seek to empower local fishing communities.
The government is supporting the development of sustainable boating operations, birdwatching points, and eco-friendly accommodation—such as homestays operated by local residents. New zones within the lake will be opened for guided nature trails and wetland safaris, while sensitive regions like bird nesting sites will remain protected from human interference.
The establishment of eco-friendly lodging options, including homestays run by locals, birding locations, and sustainable watercraft activities are all being encouraged by the government. Wetland safaris and guided nature trails will be allowed in new areas of the lake, although sensitive areas like bird nesting grounds will continue to be shielded from human activity.
Odisha's strategy is based on awareness and education rather than infrastructure. There are plans to provide conservation communication and natural history interpretation training to local guides. Visitors will be urged to engage in low-impact activities that provide a better comprehension of regional ecosystems. Additionally, officials expect that the tourist centres at Chilika and Nandankanan would serve as centres for environmental education for groups from universities and schools.
Odisha's approach places it at the forefront of India's ecotourism map, which is in line with the growing demand for immersive, ecologically conscious travel worldwide. The state aims to diversify its tourism sector and lessen the strain on traditional hotspots by striking a balance between ecological preservation and meaningful visitor involvement.
It is anticipated that the projects at Nandankanan and Chilika would serve as flagship examples of how sustainable tourism, community benefit, and wildlife protection may coexist. These initiatives are anticipated to draw both domestic and foreign tourists seeking genuine, natural experiences that benefit the areas they visit as development moves forward.
