Odisha Introduces Integrated Forest Monitoring System for Smarter Forest and Wildlife Governance

24 Jul 2026, 09:28 by Vinay Kakkad · KalingaTV

Odisha has expanded its use of digital technology in forest governance with the launch of the Integrated Forest Monitoring and Command Centre (IFMCC), a centralised platform designed to improve surveillance, conservation planning and response mechanisms across the state’s forest landscape.

The facility was inaugurated at Aranya Bhawan in Bhubaneswar by Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia. The initiative marks a major technological upgrade for the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, aimed at strengthening the management of forests and other natural resources through real-time data integration and advanced monitoring systems.

Speaking at the inauguration, Singkhuntia said the adoption of modern digital tools would make forest administration more transparent, improve the quality of decision-making and enable faster responses to conservation challenges. He said the new platform would enhance the state’s capacity to sustainably manage its forest resources while supporting more effective governance.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Dr. K. Murugesan, described the Command Centre as a technology-enabled hub that consolidates information from multiple digital sources. According to him, the system combines real-time field inputs with satellite-based monitoring, Geographic Information System (GIS) analytics and decision-support tools, allowing officials to respond more efficiently to issues related to forest conservation, wildlife protection and disaster management. He said the initiative reflects Odisha’s commitment to using advanced technology for transparent, efficient and sustainable management of its forest assets.

The IFMCC is expected to improve coordination across the Forest Department by providing a unified digital platform for monitoring operations and facilitating quicker interventions. Officials said the initiative also reinforces Odisha’s push towards digital governance in the environmental sector and is likely to enhance operational efficiency as well as public service delivery.

Several senior officials attended the inauguration, including Chief Project Director of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project (OFSDP) G. Rajesh, Conservator of Forests (IT and GIS) V. Karthick, Special Secretary Swayam Mallick, Director of Environment Dr. K.S. Pradeep and other senior officers of the department.

The event also featured a live demonstration of key digital initiatives being implemented by the department. These included the Compensatory Afforestation (CA) Land Bank, the Integrated Forest Monitoring and Command Centre dashboard, and Version II of the Odisha Forest Management System, highlighting how digital platforms are being integrated into forest administration.

Alongside the technology showcase, officials held discussions on the implementation of the Wood-Based Industries Rules and the state’s Eco-restoration Policy, both of which are expected to shape future forest management and environmental conservation efforts.

During the programme, the minister formally launched the redesigned website of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society. Two publications were also released: the Souvenir of the 14th National Workshop of JICA-Assisted Forestry Projects in India and the Annual Report of the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project, Phase II (2025–26), documenting the project’s achievements, best practices and collaborative work in sustainable forestry and community-based development.