BHUBANESHWAR: Simlipal though accorded the status of one of the 18 BioSphere of the country and has thick forests, extensive grassy lands and meadows, waterfalls, is yet to be declared a full-fledged national park.
Simlipal is a national and tiger reserve in Mayurbhanja district and is a part of the Similipal- Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve, includes three protected areas Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Odisha Forest and Environment Secretary Suresh Mohapatra said though Simlipal has been accorded the status of a National Park provisionally long back but is yet to be declared a full-fledged national park.
It is home to about 1076 species of mammals, 29 types of reptiles and 231 species of including tigers elephants, deer, flying squirrels, talking myna and dancing peacocks Mr Mohapatra said the presence of people living in villages close to the core area of the forest in Simlipal is the only major problem for Simlipal to be declared as a National Park.
The Forest Secretary said Simlipal National park could have got the permanent status of a National park if Bakua village in which 40 families live close to the core area of the forest could be shifted.
Though the government is trying its best for the relocation of the village some people with vested interests are instigating the villagers not to shift.
He said recently the Sub-Ordinate Legislative Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr Yogendra Behera had visited the area and requested the villagers to shift.