Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is conducting a detailed study and consulting scientists, environmentalists, local communities and public representatives before taking a final decision on the proposed Similipal Black Tiger Safari near the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Singhkhuntia said the proposed project, billed as the world’s first melanistic tiger safari, is being examined from all perspectives, including its ecological impact, potential benefits and long-term implications.
The minister said experts and officials of the department are carrying out research to assess the project’s feasibility and ensure that it does not adversely affect the environment or local stakeholders.
“We are conducting detailed research on the Similipal Black Tiger Safari Project in consultation with scientists and environmentalists. The views of local people and public representatives are also being taken into consideration. Teams are examining the potential impact of the project, the benefits it could bring and whether there could be any adverse effects. We are studying the proposal from every angle to ensure that it does not negatively affect anyone in the future,” Singhkhuntia said.
