Odisha Declares Gupteswar Forest as Biodiversity Heritage Site.

Environment | Dated: 23 Feb 2026

The Odisha government has declared the Gupteswar Forest in the Koraput district as the fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site of the state. The forest is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare medicinal plants and several threatened species of bats.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • The declaration provides legal protection to the ecosystem under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
  • It aims to involve local tribal communities in conservation.
  • Mandasaru and Mahendragiri are among the other heritage sites in the state.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • Site: Gupteswar Forest.
  • Status: Biodiversity Heritage.
  • State: Odisha.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which state government recently declared the Gupteswar Forest as its fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site?

Correct Answer: Odisha

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Odisha

  • Capital - Bhubaneswar
  • Chief Minister - Naveen Patnaik