Bhubaneswar: Odisha has taken a major step towards technology-driven forest governance with the inauguration of the Integrated Forest Monitoring & Command Centre (IFMCC) at Aranya Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, on Wednesday.
The facility was inaugurated by Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts towards sustainable forest management through advanced digital technologies.
The newly established IFMCC will serve as a technology-enabled command centre by integrating real-time field information, satellite-based monitoring, GIS analytics, and decision-support systems to improve forest conservation, wildlife protection, and disaster response mechanisms.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said that the adoption of modern digital technologies would strengthen forest governance, improve transparency, and enable faster decision-making for the conservation and sustainable management of Odisha’s forest resources.
The minister said the initiative reflects the Odisha Government’s commitment to using innovative technologies for efficient and sustainable management of natural resources. The centre is expected to enhance operational efficiency, coordination, and service delivery across the Forest Department.
During the inauguration programme, demonstrations were conducted on the CA Land Bank, IFMCC Dashboard, and Odisha Forest Management System (OFMS) Version-II. Discussions were also held on the Wood-Based Industries Rules and the Eco-Restoration Policy.
The refurbished website of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS) was also formally launched on the occasion. Two important publications — the Souvenir of the 14th National Workshop of JICA-Assisted Forestry Projects in India and the Annual Report of Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project, Phase-II (2025–26) — were unveiled, showcasing achievements, best practices, and collaborative efforts in sustainable forestry and community development.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Odisha, Dr. K. Murugesan, PCCF (KL) Odisha Uma Nanduri, Chief Project Director, OFSDP G. Rajesh, CF (IT & GIS) Karthick V., Special Secretary to Government Swayam Mallick, Director, Environment-cum-Special Secretary K.S. Pradeep, along with other senior officers of the department.
