Out of the 2,750 sq km of the Reserve, 845.70 sq km has been notified as National Park, making it largest in Odisha, leaving behind Bhitarkanika.
- It is the 107th National Park and the second in Odisha, after the Bhitarkanika.
About Similipal Forest
- Location: Mayurbhanj District of Odisha in Chottanagpur region.
- Major Rivers: Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo.
- Similipal is also protected as a Wildlife Sanctuary, a Tiger Reserve (under Project Tiger), a Biosphere Reserve (under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, since 2009), and forms part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.
What is a National Park?
- About: It is an area, whether within a sanctuary or not, given the highest protection to conserve its wildlife and environment by reason of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, or zoological importance.
- No human activity is permitted inside the national park, except for the ones permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state.
- Also, under the Forest Right Act of 2006, certain tribal groups are permitted to live inside the National Parks.
- Notification: By the State Governments under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- However, once notified, no alteration of the boundaries can be done by the State Government, except on a recommendation of the National Board for Wildlife.
