Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards promoting sustainable livelihoods and wildlife conservation, the Odisha government has approved the ₹125 crore ‘Ama Similipal Yojana’, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of communities living around the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).
The funds for the ambitious programme have already been released to the tiger reserve authorities, and the scheme is expected to be officially launched before October.
According to Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF)-cum-Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve Prakash Chand Gogineni, officials are currently finalising the implementation strategy based on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted to the state government around seven months ago.
Sustainable Livelihoods for Nearly 200 Villages
The Ama Similipal Yojana will directly benefit nearly 200 villages situated in the foothills of the Similipal Tiger Reserve.
The primary objective of the scheme is to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent communities, enabling them to earn stable incomes while reducing their dependence on forest resources.
Based on the concept of ‘Jiban Jibika’ (livelihood generation), the initiative seeks to provide alternative employment avenues and discourage illegal activities such as hunting and poaching, which continue to pose challenges to wildlife conservation in the region.
Financial and Technical Support Through SHGs
A key feature of the scheme is the active involvement of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which will serve as the primary channel for extending financial and technical assistance to beneficiaries.
Under the programme, eligible households will be encouraged to undertake a variety of income-generating activities, including:
- Sal leaf plate manufacturing
- Tailoring
- Honey processing
- Dairy and milk processing
- Poultry farming
- Goat and sheep rearing
- Agriculture
- Cultivation of short-duration non-paddy crops
Officials believe these initiatives will help diversify rural incomes while reducing pressure on forest ecosystems.
Strengthening Conservation Through Community Development
The Odisha government expects the Ama Similipal Yojana to strike a balance between ecological conservation and rural development by improving the livelihoods of local communities.
By creating sustainable employment opportunities and reducing economic dependence on forest resources, the programme aims to strengthen community participation in protecting the Similipal Tiger Reserve and curb activities that threaten its rich biodiversity.
The initiative is expected to become a significant model for integrating conservation efforts with inclusive rural development across ecologically sensitive regions of the state.
