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The lush Gupteswar forest, nestled within the Dhondrakhol reserve forest in the Jeypore forest Division of Koraput district, has been declared Odisha's fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). The state government issued an official notification on Monday, highlighting the ecological richness of this natural haven. Covering an expansive 350 hectares of carefully marked-out land, the Gupteswar forest not only houses the revered Gupteswar Shiva shrine but is also a sanctuary for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Official sources shared that the Odisha Biodiversity Board's inventory and survey have identified significant faunal species within the forest, including the mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, sacred grove bush frog, and a variety of avifauna such as the black baza, Jerdon's baza, Malabar trogon, common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, and banded bay cuckoo. Notably, the limestone caves in Gupteswar are home to eight bat species, with two of them-Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii-falling under the near-threatened category as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The forest is also blessed with a vibrant floral diversity, showcasing not only towering trees and shrubs but also a plethora of herbs, orchids, and essential medicinal plants. Indian trumpet tree, Indian snake root, Cumbi gum tree, Garlic pear tree, Chinese fever vine, Rohituka tree, Jodpakli, Indian jointfir, and various wild crop relatives of ginger and turmeric contribute to the rich tapestry of plant life.
Official sources further noted the presence of agriculturally and industrially valuable micro-organisms in this ecosystem. With the addition of Gupteswar, Odisha now boasts four Biodiversity Heritage Sites. The state government has directed the Odisha Biodiversity Board to formulate a long-term plan for the comprehensive conservation and development of these sites, with active involvement from local communities. An allocation of Rs 35 lakh has been sanctioned for the preparation of action plans and awareness-building initiatives in the localities, according to official sources.
The decision to declare Gupteswar as a Biodiversity Heritage Site has garnered positive reactions from local residents, nature enthusiasts, and intellectuals alike. They express satisfaction in the belief that this forest, over time, will not only contribute to the livelihoods of the local people but also open avenues for eco-tourism and the sustainable harvesting of minor forest produce. The recognition of Gupteswar as a BHS underscores the commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich biodiversity that makes Odisha truly unique.
